'SRK-Sunny are still ruling the box office' - Exclusive

Chandan K Anand

, who is known for his performance in 'Class', 'Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl' and others, will soon be seen in Siddharth Anand's 'Fighter'. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, the actor shares his insights on action stars in Bollywood, highlighting the talents of actors like Sunny Deol and Shah Rukh Khan, reflects on his journey in showbiz and more. Excerpts...
Tell us something about your initial days in the showbiz.

Initial days were fun as I have grown in all the aspects - physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially. But yes as an actor, I still see every acting job as a newcomer. Just between action and cut, I live and play the journey of creation and it’s the biggest thrill and revelation. My memories of initial days were of staying in a room kitchen apartment with eight room mates from various cities of India. Exploring, hoping and finding ways to crack that one break in the Mumbai film industry. Thanks to my training as an actor in Delhi with renowned teachers Shri NK Sharma and Shri Arvind Gaur. My training during my theatre is my asset and pillars that I am able to sustain and thrive in Mumbai.

When it comes to hard-core action in Bollywood, only a few of them have successfully aced it. Who, according to you, is one of the best action stars we have in Bollywood?
Action hero in India means who can beat 10-15 goons with his performing style and action skills. Being an actor I know now, that we just act to create any action believable. So in that sense Sunny Deol stands out for me. I can believe that Sunny Sir can break bones with just one punch or with his angry voice he can bring shivers both on screen and off screen. I even love to see Shah Rukh Khan sir doing action. He brings style to each and every act with his expressions and fast reflexes and till date audiences love both of them. They both are still ruling the box office.

Amongst all the actors you have worked with so far, who has been an absolute delight to work with?
I admire Kay Kay Menon for his love for art. I am a trained actor and in any opportunity, I look for learning and growing myself. He is a reservoir of art and craft. So you can imagine how much learning for life can happen for any actor working with him. I feel blessed. Apart from him, Shah Rukh Khan, Vidyut Jamwal,

Tiger Shroff

and others are also best with their craft.