Ashutosh Rana remembers his reaction when he got 'Dushman', asking can he scream

Actor Ashutosh Rana is an absolute legend in the entertainment industry having played some of the most iconic characters over the years. While he has played an array of different characters, he continues to best remembered for her negative roles more importantly with the likes of Dushman and Sangharsh.

Recently having played a role in Aranyak, Rana talked about an interesting instance speaking with Humans of Bombay. He shared he got his first big break due to filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt in his television serial Swabhimaan and even though it took him a while to make his mark, he was never disheartened.

“The first few weeks were spent commuting from one corner to another, looking for work. And it was during one of these auditions that I met Mr. Mahesh Bhatt. He offered me a role in ‘Swabhimaan’, a television serial! That was my 1st break! I couldn’t wait to see myself on screen! Papa told me, ‘I know your talent, make the most of this opportunity!’ I tried to live upto my potential & when I saw myself on screen… I still get shivers when I think of that feeling. After Swabhimaan, I got a lot of work! And although I wished to get longer screen time, maine chhote kaam bhi bade man se kiye,” he said.

After 4 years of persevering, one day Mahesh Sir called me to his office & offered me the lead role as a villain in ‘Dushman!’ I was so overwhelmed that I asked him, ‘Can I scream?’

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Then talking about his big break with Dushman, he said, “And so, after 4 years of persevering, one day Mahesh Sir called me to his office & offered me the lead role as a villain in ‘Dushman!’ I was so overwhelmed that I asked him, ‘Can I scream?’ When he said yes, I yelled with happiness! Then I promised Sir, ‘I’ll win you a Filmfare award,’ And I did! I recall giving my ‘Thank you’ speech; it felt surreal… And since Dushman’s release, my career took off! Every role I’ve played is etched in my heart– be it Agrawal in Ghulam or Nityanand in Simmba. And my latest role as an ex-cop, who carries the baggage of an unsolved case from the past in ‘Aranyak’ on Netflix is one of the most interesting parts I’ve ever played. My character’s passion & charisma is mesmerizing!”

He concluded, “But I feel that way for all my roles. I love to act–mujhe chota bada kaisa bhi role dedo, I’ll do it with the same zeal. We’re entertainers. A person could be deeply upset, but if they see a great performance, for that moment, life is good again. Yeh superpower sirf actors ke paas hai!”