Ashutosh Gowariker, the celebrated actor-filmmaker, has opened up about his return to Hindi cinema with the upcoming film 'System'. In a recent interview, he reflected on how the acting landscape has evolved since his early days in the industry.
Acting Feels More Liberating Now
Gowariker shared that when he started his career, there was immense pressure to conform to the image of a quintessential hero. He felt obligated to maintain a specific appearance, hairstyle, and only play positive characters. However, today, he finds the process far more freeing. "When I was younger, there was always pressure that you had to be the quintessential hero and try and be that positive character, and look and be a particular way on screen. Today, it's liberating. You don't have to worry about your hairstyle. I love it now," he said in an exclusive interview with SCREEN, as reported by The Indian Express.
Focus on Role Over Appearance
Gowariker also recalled the attention actors once paid to their hair before a shot. "I'm sure the girls still have to do that. I don't have to," he added, highlighting the shift in industry standards. He emphasized that now he can concentrate entirely on the role rather than superficial details.
From Actor to Director and Back
Gowariker began his career as an actor, making his debut opposite Aamir Khan in Ketan Mehta's 'Holi' in 1984. He later appeared with Shah Rukh Khan in 'Circus' and 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa'. However, his transition to directing with acclaimed films such as 'Lagaan', 'Swades', and 'Jodhaa Akbar' kept him away from acting for years. "When you're directing a film, it's such a deeply demanding movie that you can't focus on anything else. You have to focus only on that. I always wanted to act, but I never had the time," he explained.
Return to Acting with 'Ventilator'
His acting comeback began with the Marathi film 'Ventilator', which he took on while 'Mohenjo Daro' was in post-production. "So, Ventilator came at a time when Mohenjo Daro was in the post-production, and I could give it the time I had to," he said.
How 'System' Came About
Gowariker's role in 'System' materialized after a chance meeting with director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari at an IFFI Goa afterparty in 2024. "She said, 'Hey, Ashu sir! I want to cast you in my movie!' I said, 'Done, I'm doing,'" he recalled.
Future Projects
Beyond acting, Gowariker is producing a docuseries titled 'Temple Raiders' and is planning his next epic film. His return to the screen has been met with enthusiasm from fans eager to see him in front of the camera once again.
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