Abhilash Thapliyal, a 29-year-old radio-jockey, an entertainer, well-known voice-over artiste has come a long way to gear up for his Bollywood debut 'Makhna'. Directed by ad film-maker Aleya Sen Sharma, the movie has Saqib Saleem and Taapsee Pannu playing the lead roles in the film.
How did you get this big break? He chuckled a little and began his story, "I meet directors and actors on my radio show during promotions or in pre-promotion stages… And that is where I met Amit Ji, Tevar's director. He was quiet impressed by my spontaneity and humour. He asked me to contact him when I come to Mumbai. I took the risk, quit my job and went to Mumbai, even when everyone around was reluctant to let me go. Amit Sharma Ji recommended me, to a friend who was looking for a fresh face. That's how I landed up with Makhna."
Success is SubjectiveAbhilash comes from a non-filmi background but has always had a creative & quirky side to his personality. He wears his heart-on-his-sleeve and believes that success comes to those who have hard work, luck and talent. We have all seen him decked up playing 'The Mufflerman', mimicking politician Arvind Kejriwal and taking jibes on AAP, Congress and BJP.
He has become an online sensation through his Youtube videos and commands a fan base of over 5 million through his daily radio show, 'KaanPhad' Bajaate Rahi on 93.5 RedFM. Yes, you know him by the name RJ Abhilash. He is not only a virtual performer but has also a very spontaneous VJ and anchor. Steadily earned a place for himself as a host for World Kabaddi League on Sony Six, MTV, GIMA Red Carpet (2016), Ghanta Awards (2016), India Film Project (2016) and international sports events such as F1 (2013), IPL (2013-14-15) to name a few. All this and more, he has given his voice to many TV channels including Nat Geo, Fox History and Cartoon Network too.
His previous stints in media have all helped him gain a strong foothold on the nuances in acting but he admits, it was no cake walk!
On being asked if he thinks he has made it large, he said, "Success is subjective. All that I've done, it might be enough for somebody. Not for me! However, I'd say luck favoured me since I did not even have to audition for this role."
Delhi Ka SafarnamaIt is fascinating to see how art is perceived in Bollywood, how things operate or people come together. Abhilash describes his shooting experience as a great learning. The majority of the cast and crew members were either Delhites, staying away from home or knew what is like to be in Delhi. Filmi-people on the sets discussed good-old days and Dilli-ka-khanna.
Abhilash recalls, "Taapsee and Saqib were two very energetic souls on the sets. Just when the director would announce a 'cut' they would be out doing pranks again." So has everything been wrapped up? "No, two songs are left. And the release date would be out soon after." The rom-com titled 'Makhna' has been shot in Delhi.
Content on MediaAbhilash feels that there is a dearth of quality content, and it is especially affecting the way we consume media. Though there are stand-up comedians, skits, spoofs and short films, all these are not enough to stimulate the mind.
"
Sab TRPs
ka khel hai yahan, there is not much that forces us to sit up and take notice. Even the online platform which is trying to add more flavours to the plate has a unique consumption pattern. The content is designed for watching alone not with your family."
"So, I didn't intend to do films but I got a chance to be on the silver screen," signs off!
BW Reporters
Soumya is a young writer and journalist, with bachelors in Multimedia and Mass Communication. She is an alumini of the Asian College of Journalism, and finds politics and sustainability intriguing beats to work with.
