Aditya Deshmukh on Typecasting: "Playing Similar Roles Can Become Monotonous"

Aditya Deshmukh, known for his remarkable performances in Ziddi Dil Maane Na, Suhaagan, and Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin (GHKPM), is an actor who constantly seeks to push his boundaries. In a candid conversation, he opened up about his dream roles, the challenges of typecasting, and his take on the changing dynamics of the entertainment industry.

Every actor aspires to explore a wide variety of roles throughout their career. When asked about a role he hasn’t done yet but would love to portray, Aditya shared, "My dream role is to play a RAW agent, a gangster, a don, or a mastermind in a geopolitical thriller—similar to the roles John Abraham has been doing lately. The industry trend has evolved, and I find such intense and layered characters fascinating. Recently, I watched Superboys of Malegaon, and I would love to be part of such a genre."

Typecasting is a common phenomenon in showbiz, where actors often get cast in similar roles after delivering a successful performance. Speaking on this, Aditya remarked, "I believe that playing similar roles repeatedly can become monotonous. For example, after Ziddi Dil Maane Na, where I played an army officer, I was cast as a brother in Suhaagan, and now in GHKPM, I'm portraying a similar role. However, I brought this up with the makers of Ghum, and they worked on differentiating my character to ensure it had depth and uniqueness."

With fewer comedy films being made in Bollywood, Aditya shared his views on the genre’s diminishing prominence. "It’s true that comedy often takes a backseat, with lead actors sometimes getting overshadowed by character actors who steal the spotlight. In GHKPM, I’m playing a comic role, similar to how Saif Ali Khan’s character was in Hum Saath Saath Hain—bringing humor to every situation in my own unique way. Earlier films, like Baazigar, gave Johnny Lever significant screen time, sometimes more than Shah Rukh Khan himself in certain scenes. Johnny Sir is a legend, and the kind of space he had in films is something most comedians today don’t get."

While romance, thrillers, and murder mysteries dominate audiences’ interest, Aditya personally loves thrillers. "I’m more drawn to thrillers. Recently, I watched Diplomat and Madras Cafe, and I believe films with such strong narratives are much needed today. Scam 1992 is another example of compelling storytelling. I would love to be part of such projects that educate and engage audiences through performance."

For Aditya, acting isn’t just a career—it’s a lifelong dream. "Acting has been my dream since childhood. I was always a movie buff, and I believe in giving my dreams a shot, no matter how tough the journey is. Being part of the entertainment industry itself is the biggest thrill for me."

Actors must continuously reinvent themselves, and Aditya actively works on refining his craft. "When I entered the industry, I made a conscious effort to watch a variety of films. Now, I’ve started watching German cinema and am even learning the German language. Mastering different languages helps refine one’s craft, and for me, learning is an endless process—every day presents a new challenge."

Working long hours on set often fosters strong bonds, but Aditya believes professionalism comes first. "I have very few friends in the industry—my real friends are from my school days. On set, we do bond, sometimes playing badminton or engaging in fun activities to create a positive vibe. However, at the end of the day, what truly matters is delivering a strong performance. While good chemistry can enhance scenes, I believe professionalism comes first, and whether I make friends or not, my primary focus remains on giving my best on screen."