Sushil Pandey on working with Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi

Actor

Sushil Pandey

is all set for the release of his next film, 'Phule', co-starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha. As the Anant Mahadevan directorial was delayed, Sushil spoke to ETimes about how hurtful the recent legal tensions were. He also reminisced about his experiences working on '

Article 15

' with Ayushmann Khurrana and the '

Jolly LLB

' franchise with Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi. Excerpts...
How was it working with Arshad Warsi and Akshay Kumar in the Jolly LLB franchise?
On the first day of my shoot of Jolly LLB, we began with my scene, and as soon as Arshad arrived on set, we clicked instantly during rehearsals. We spent that time chatting about our characters’ emotions—what to do, what not to do—and I found him to be a true gentleman and incredibly funny. He could make me laugh in the most serious moments. I remember saying, 'Sir, don’t make me laugh now—I have to cry in this scene!' And he replied, 'You get the headache; I don’t!' Since then, I’ve been in part three too, and he’s always been very kind.
Akshay sir is equally warm. We bonded well on sets of Jolly LLB 2 and Jolly LLB 3. I have often felt that actors get typecast based on one role, which isn’t a complaint but simply how casting works. Early in my career in Mumbai, I was offered many serious parts. Even when working with Arshad and Akshay sir, I was cast in serious roles. I’m now eagerly hoping for something lighter and more comedic—I want to laugh and do something bizarre! I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Can you share a particularly memorable compliment you’ve received?
It was during the shooting of Jolly LLB 2. I had a long monologue—around four or five pages—during an interrogation scene in court. The camera was set, Akshay sir was opposite me, and the courtroom was buzzing with extras. I rehearsed once with Subhash (Kapoor) ji, just to get the lines out with no emotion, and he asked if we should rehearse with Akshay sir first. I said, “Sir, if you’re ready, let’s roll for the take.” We did it in one go. Though much of the scene was cut, it was still a big moment.

After the take, Akshay sir came up behind me, hugged me tightly and for a long time, then leant in close and kissed me on the cheek. I was so moved—he asked 'how do you do this?' , “Suddenly I got emotional. I said, sir, we do it with fear. We won't get another chance!” He hugged me again, then took me to Subhash ji and urged, “Sir, cast him—give him more work; he’s brilliant.” To have someone of Akshay Kumar’s stature praise you like that is extraordinary.

Similarly, Ayushmann Khurrana was wonderful to me in my first film, Article 15. During filming, I later discovered that he had recommended me for the role. I approached Anubhav sir for Article 15 without knowing I’d been put forward by Saurabh Shukla. It turned out Saurabh sir had told Anubhav sir, “There’s a boy I haven’t met yet, but he’s a fantastic actor—cast him.” That’s how I landed the role.
These moments—when senior actors or directors support you and appreciate your work—are priceless. They give you renewed energy to push your craft further. I cherish those memories always.