Aditya Rawal Embraces Versatility in Acting and Writing Career
During a recent visit to Ahmedabad for a play he wrote and produced, actor-writer Aditya Rawal opened up about his multifaceted career aspirations. "Be it writing or acting, I want to explore all the possibilities," Rawal shared enthusiastically. The artist, who gained acclaim for his performance in the film Subedaar, emphasized his commitment to both crafts. "I will continue to write. I want to explore every aspect as an actor and writer," he added, highlighting his dedication to artistic growth.
Prioritizing Diverse Roles Over Commercial Projects
Known for his roles in films like Faraaz and OTT series such as Daldal, Aditya Rawal adopts a selective approach when signing projects. "I want to take on diverse roles and remain versatile," he explained. Rawal prioritizes story and character depth over commercial appeal, stating, "If the narrative is compelling, the role is something I haven't tackled before, and the makers are people I want to work with, I am interested." He noted that versatility and uniqueness define his characters across all his work.
Addressing his frequent portrayal of antagonists, Rawal clarified, "As an artiste, you need a story and a character that can hold your interest for the four or five months you dedicate to a project. It can be an antagonist or a protagonist." He expressed a desire to avoid being pigeonholed, revealing, "My next two projects are worlds apart. I am doing Hansal Mehta's Gandhi, and the same team that cast me as a terrorist in Faraaz has now given me a very different role." This contrast, he said, is a conscious choice to showcase the range of his abilities.
Writing Across Genres and Collaborations
Elaborating on his writing endeavors, Aditya Rawal shared that he has written three films and several screenplays for directors, along with plays. "I don't want to limit myself to writing in just one area," he asserted. Rawal enjoys exploring various genres, having written romantic films with commercial directors. "I enjoy writing everything under the sun; the only thing I don't yet understand as a writer is horror because I don't watch much of it," he admitted.
He also finds fulfillment in collaborative writing. "I enjoy writing for other makers. Working with a collaborator who has a strong vision is fun because you are helping to bring that vision to life," Rawal said. He described the process as less lonely and more fulfilling when decisions are made with a partner, though he has grown to appreciate the solitude of solo writing.
Gravitating Towards Stage Stories and Artistic Vision
Having been exposed to sets early in life, Aditya Rawal gravitates towards stories best suited for the stage. "My first play is about three soldiers stuck on a glacier. Creating that glacier on a wooden stage in Ahmedabad or Mumbai provides a magical, transporting experience for an audience," he shared. His aim is to tell stories that truly belong to the stage and cannot be replicated elsewhere, a principle he applies to his films as well.
Inspired by greats like Satyajit Ray and the Coen brothers, Rawal strives to infuse his work with a clear worldview. "I wanted to create work where my own perspective and the way I see human beings come through. Be it a play or film, the goal with any written material is to communicate what is inside of me," he explained.
Optimism for Theatre's Future Amid Challenges
Discussing the challenges facing theatre, Aditya Rawal remained optimistic. "Theatre has been challenging to do for 5,000 years, but it has existed for all these years. Live performances will always exist," he reassured. With the rise of AI and devaluation of screen-based content, he believes live performances are set to regain significance.
Rawal pointed to efforts in India to bring international shows and train audiences to pay for large productions, which could reshape the economic model of theatre. "There will always be shifts and changes, but I am not worried about theatre. It will continue to exist. Anything that has been around for so long will have its ups and downs, but that is part and parcel of the process," he said, expressing openness to making small adaptations where possible.
Nostalgia for Ahmedabad's Unique Character
Reflecting on his visits to Ahmedabad since childhood, Aditya Rawal praised the city's development. "While the city has grown, it never loses its soul. Most Indian cities start to look the same after a while because of all the new buildings, but Ahmedabad still feels special—it has its own khushboo," he shared. He loves how Ahmedabad has evolved without losing its character, citing places like the Natarani Amphitheatre as ideal venues that foster artistic community by the river.
Navigating Comparisons with Famous Parents
As the son of actors Paresh Rawal and Swaroop Sampat, Aditya Rawal addressed potential comparisons with a smile. "I don't focus on escaping the shadow of being their son. They have been established for so long," he said. His focus is on carving his own identity, believing that comparisons can wait until he has a career of similar longevity.
Rawal values the guidance from his family, which centers on analyzing work rather than dictating choices. "We constantly discuss our projects, including my father's, to evaluate what worked and how it could have been better, which is the great advantage of being part of a family of artistes," he concluded, highlighting the collaborative and analytical environment that supports his artistic journey.
