Himansh Kohli has largely been associated with the "chocolate boy" image ever since Yaariyan was released in 2014. With Aryabhatt Ka Zero, however, the actor is stepping into unfamiliar territory, playing a man grappling with social prejudice, personal setbacks and the search for dignity and acceptance.
He says, "Every actor waits for a role that changes the conversation around him, challenges him and helps him grow. For me, Aryabhatt Ka Zero is one of those opportunities. What stayed with me was the character's fight for dignity and acceptance. At some point, I think all of us have felt underestimated or judged before people knew our story. I connected with that emotion, and that's what drew me to the film."
A far cry from the polished image audiences have long associated with him, Himansh Kohli appears in a subdued, understated avatar in Aryabhatt Ka Zero. The actor underwent a significant transformation for the film, which follows a man's journey through prejudice, setbacks and his quest for dignity.
The role also demanded a significant physical and psychological shift from the actor. He shares, "Honestly, it was both exciting and intimidating. For years, audiences have seen me in a certain way, and naturally there is a comfort zone that comes with it. For this role, I had to completely let go of the polished image people associate with me. The challenge wasn't just physical; it was psychological. I had to stop thinking like Himansh and start living like the character. It required patience, observation and a lot of unlearning."
Beyond the transformation, Himansh found the character's emotional arc particularly demanding. He adds, "There were scenes where I had to internalise pain rather than express it openly. Sometimes, the hardest thing for an actor is to do less and still communicate everything. That balance took a lot of effort."
Speaking about working with director Kamal Chandra, Himansh says, "Kamal was invested in making the film feel real. He encouraged me to explore the character without fear and pushed me to go beyond surface-level acting. Working with him was a learning experience because he constantly reminded me to stay truthful to the character."
