How does one take time to answer an over-inquisitive magazine’s questions between shoot for an ongoing project, selecting one’s wedding outfit, and preparing for a flight to Dehradun the following day? Let’s just add that question to our already ambitious list of questions for the one and only – Priyanshu Painyuli!
Yes, the talented actor and performer was gracious enough to shoot for this month’s edition of our magazine and even kinder with the time he devoted to earnestly answering the many questions we hurled in his direction during his lunch break on the shoot.
I know we are supposed to think of Priyanshu as the breakthrough actor of ‘Bhavesh Joshi Superhero’, and rightly so. Or as Robin! Every time, he comes across #yehbhithikhai memes trending on social media, the actor’s smile broadens with pride at delivering a wonderful performance in Mirzapur 2, and rightly so. But we all know his body of work, now let’s uncover the man behind these roles!
How did it all start?
It all started for Priyanshu in school, when he looked forward to participating in any and everything on stage.
“I would jump up on any opportunity to perform – taking part in drama or dance or playing a musical instrument during school prayers. This inclination kept growing till college. Then, I got fascinated with cameras and film making, which is when I decided to study filmmaking from S.A.E Institute, Bangalore while I continued my stage acting doing professional theatre once in a while. Next, I shifted base to Mumbai to do regular theatre and Bollywood projects.”
Tell us something about your journey from theatre to Bollywood and Hollywood…
“During my early years in Mumbai, I got the opportunity to work with Rajit Kapur from Rage productions. He was my mentor in my initial days in Mumbai. I used to do backstage work and sound design for his plays and got to learn a lot in that process. I also did many popular plays with AK Various Productions, and I still wish to continue doing plays whenever I get time. I got called for many auditions through my plays, especially ‘Internal Affairs’ by AK Various Productions.” As for Bollywood, the actor played a small yet crucial role in ‘Rock On 2.’ Compared to earlier roles offered, this role felt important. And it is this belief and luck that has allowed the actor to portray some memorable characters in Bollywood. As for Hollywood, “I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start than playing Amir Asif in Extraction. I would say I have been lucky to get an opportunity early in my career to be acting in a Hollywood film. But I believe luck and surprises come to you when you are clear about the kind of path you want to follow and clear about your goals!” he added proudly.