Actor Jaideep Ahlawat says more often than not, he is approached with below-standard scripts, which the makers expect him to pull off.

Ahlawat, whose work repertoire comprises titles such as Raazi (2018), Paatal Lok, Ajeeb Daastaans (2021) and the recent Bloody Brothers, tells us, “I strongly believe that actor kitna bhi achha ho kharaab script, ko kheench nahin sakta. It’s a misconception that actors can pull off bad scripts. Of course, we can and have pulled off stories that have not been strong, but uski bhi limitations hoti hain. A very bad script cannot be made into The Godfather (1972). That is not possible!”

So how does he filter his choices? “It is very organic for me. If the story does not stay with me after a few hours, then koi fayda nahin hai woh project karne ka,” he explains.

Ahlawat may have gained prominence only in the past few years, but he has been around for almost 15 years now. The 44-year-old shares that over the years, his process of choosing projects has definitely evolved. “I want to work with good people as well as in good stories. That is also important, because if the team is not good, how will you translate it on screen? An actor is just a part of the process. You need to have a good director and a good cameraman so that your hard work lands correctly,” he explains.

However, now he is faced with a unique challenge, and that is the struggle to say no to projects. “Saying no is very difficult, but it is important. I humbly fold my hands.”