Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, during a recent visit to Ahmedabad, revealed a deep personal connection with Gujarat and reflected on his long-standing journey in the Indian film industry, which is about to hit a significant milestone.
A Heartfelt Bond with Gujarat
The actor shared that his grandmother hailed from Gujarat, giving him a sense of belonging whenever he visits the state. He expressed a genuine affection for Gujarati cuisine, specifically naming puran poli, thepla, and chhundo as his favourites. On his latest trip, he indulged in a traditional Gujarati thali and explored popular spots in Ahmedabad, feeling a familiar warmth from the people.
Four Decades of Art and Legacy
Coming from a legendary musical family, Neil chose the path of acting over singing. He credits his father and grandfather for his discipline and respect for the arts, values he learned by watching them practise music daily. He acknowledged the challenge of carrying the respected Mukesh family name while transitioning into acting.
Neil began acting at the age of four. As he turns 44 this January, he will soon complete nearly 40 years as an actor and filmmaker. While musically inclined, he stated that acting has always been his true passion.
Memorable Roles and Creative Choices
Discussing his recent work, Neil expressed great admiration for director Umesh Shukla, with whom he worked on this year's film Ek Chatur Naar. He found playing a comic antagonist both challenging and rewarding and enjoyed collaborating with co-star Divya Khosla Kumar.
When asked about his most relatable character, he fondly recalled playing Omar in the film 'New York', describing him as emotionally honest and loyal—a role that remains closest to his heart. He also mentioned other significant performances in films like Johnny Gaddaar, 7 Khoon Maaf, Lafangey Parindey, and Jail. His role as Gagan Ahuja in Hai Junoon! brought back memories of his college days and artistic passion.
Embracing Cinema's Constant Evolution
Sharing his perspective on the changing landscape, Neil Mukesh finds the current phase of cinema exciting, marked by the rise of OTT platforms. He emphasised that he has always chosen different and experimental roles since the start of his career.
His advice to actors today is to not fear change. "Cinema is evolving constantly," he says, stressing the importance of challenging oneself to keep the audience engaged. He believes that when storytelling is done right, audiences are always ready to appreciate it.
