UK-based Indian actor Purab Kohli is receiving widespread acclaim for his role in the recently released family drama 'The Great Shamsuddin Family'. The film, which premiered on JioHotstar last month, is poised for a broader international release this year, thanks to its resonant and humorous take on family dynamics.
Connecting with a Relatable Character
In an interview with PTI in London, Kohli expressed his deep connection to his character, Amitav, a tiresome yet dependable professor. He described the role as that annoying friend everyone has—someone you love despite their quirks. Kohli was instantly drawn to the script, written and directed by Anusha Rizvi, and couldn't put it down.
"It's been quite lovely and I'm pretty certain a film like ‘The Great Shamsuddin Family’, 20 years from now, people will still be talking about it," Kohli stated. He believes the film has a long lifespan and will find a global audience as international deals are secured.
A Film Led by Powerful Performances
The movie is set over a single day in the Delhi home of Bani Ahmad, played by Kritika Kamra. It captures the chaotic clash of troublesome siblings and spirited matriarchs, portrayed by a stellar cast including Farida Jalal, Sheeba Chaddha, Juhi Babbar, and Shreya Dhanwanthary.
Kohli, whose notable past work includes "My Brother...Nikhil" and "Rock On", considers himself lucky to be among the handful of male characters in this female-driven narrative. He describes Amitav as a "fly on the wall" whose profound voice helps settle Bani, offering honesty in the midst of family chaos.
He praised the ensemble cast, noting, "Sometimes you watch a film and you see that some people are much better than the other, but in this film everybody is amazing. It really sets a benchmark."
A New Creative Chapter: Writing for the Diaspora
Now based in London with his family since 2018, Kohli has become highly selective about acting roles. He is channelling most of his energy into writing and producing, prioritizing creative satisfaction over financial gain.
"Right now, because I'm focusing on the writing, I'm very clear I will do only projects that I'm feeling creatively satisfied by. It's not about the money," he explained.
He is actively exploring a significant gap in the market: telling stories about first-generation Indians living in the UK. Kohli points out that while the immigrant population forms a crucial part of the UK's workforce, their narratives are often missing from mainstream entertainment.
"Their stories are not being told, which is a driving force for me as a writer," he said. Looking ahead, Kohli has films like "Putul" and "Ahuti" slated for release in 2026, a year he has dedicated to advancing his writing projects.
