It’s been more than a decade for ‘Aarya’ actor Namit Das in
the film industry and he has managed to entertain us in ways beyond imagination. He has
made us laugh while playing characters like Sumit Walia in ‘Sumit Sambhal
Lega’, Rishi in Ayan Mukherji’s ‘Wake up Sid’, among several other projects
such as ‘Pataakha’, ‘Sui Dhaaga’. 

That’s not all, it seems that Namit loves experimenting with new
roles and that’s evident in his latest release ‘Aarya’ on Disney+Hotstar in which Namit is seen playing Jawahar, a dark and intense character. The series is also
the digital debut of the ever-gorgeous Sushmita Sen and the extremely-talented
actor Chandrachur Singh.

“Congratulations on the success of Aarya,” I started with the
obvious. “Thank You. It feels great and the response is overwhelming. There’s
nothing to complain about during this ongoing pandemic. We managed to finish
shooting for Aarya on March 6, a few days before the lockdown was announced. I
was able to complete all my other projects – Mafia and A Suitable Boy.” Namit
then tells us about how he is spending hi0s days during the quarantine. “Along
with music, LIVE sessions on Instagram, and a lot of reading, I have started
cooking and I am enjoying that.” “Right now, I am living Aarya phase of
lockdown,” he chuckles.

Namit was quick to make a transition from theatre and television
to films and OTT platforms.

“The medium doesn’t matter,” Namit says.

“I have never looked at
it with the perspective of it changing. I feel that stories have become more
important, also because of the OTT platforms and the liberty and opportunities
artists and directors are getting. Earlier, there was either television or
films, there was nothing in between. However, there’s so much more – digital
platforms, YouTube, Instagram, and whatnot,” he adds while talking about
changes in content consumption by the audience.

This largely self-taught actor sees the world and every chance
encounter as a mentor. “The only thing I had in mind while saying yes to play
the character of ‘Jawahar’ was that my character should be such that it makes a
connection with the audience. I had my doubts, but I was so intrigued after
understanding the concept that Ram (Director Ram Madhvani) had, that I didn’t
take a second to say yes. The process made it easy. Ram is an amazing director,
he told us to go off the book and find those things that can add substance to
the character.”

He continues to give us an insight into his intense character.
“I won’t deny, it was a challenge to
essay the character – Jawahar was a drug addict, believed in mercilessly
killing people, and had a grey side. Saying that, as an artist, I don’t believe
in building a character, I feel we actors play versions of ourselves. There are many personalities we
have inside us and as an artist, we need to develop the ability to touch upon
those things inside you. To play Jawahar, I had to think completely opposite of
who I am.”

Namit Das couldn’t stop himself from praising Sushmita Sen and
Chandrachur Singh. He tells, “Sushmita is fabulous. What a gentle personality.
There is so much positivity that one gets from her both on and off-screen. We
spoke about so much – music, life, acting. She has achieved something that no
one has, yet she is extremely kind. I think she is Aarya, the
woman that stands for strength and composure and love for her children. Her
energy is incomparable. No one could have played Aarya better. There’s so much
to learn from her.”

“We fondly call Chandrachur Ji as CCji. We bonded over Vedic
astrology. It has been a warm set and we all connected so well off the camera,
as well.” 

“I know I’m selected to deliver a credible performance and not
rake in results.”

That, of course, is always the subtext in the industry. But
for Namit to be so upfront about it is a slice of truth that many wouldn’t dare
to articulate. He has been a part of the industry for 17 years now and has
inspired so many during this long and accomplished journey.

“My journey fascinates me when I think of all the things I’ve been through
to reach where I am. I fact that I’ve been able to survive in this industry is
a big achievement. All the love that I’ve received from the people makes me
give my best. I started as a production
boy in theatre and there was no looking back. All the hard work is coming together
now and making sense.”

Truth be told, it wasn’t an easy ride for him. He moves on to
acknowledge nepotism, depression, and the shocking demise of Sushant Singh
Rajput.

“I am glad people are talking about mental health, depression, but what
makes me sad is that people are limiting all of it to the entertainment
industry and they are not shying away from bringing in their personal agenda to
fire shots at people. That is something I don’t support. I agree, that we
should help people going through anxiety and depression, but I am not in favor of using
social media to spread negativity about others.” 

Namit will next be seen in director Mira Nair’s miniseries A
Suitable Boy. The 35-year-old also plays a character, Haresh, in the series
adapted from the novel of the same name by Vikram Seth.

Quick takes:

Comedy or playing an intense role?

Another intense role

A character you would want to play (experiment)

I really want to play a woman, a proper woman. (Not adding
comedy to it)

One Netflix show that you would want to be a part of and
as what character?

I would want to play the character of Tom Hank from ‘A Beautiful
Day in the Neighborhood’.

Behind The Scene fun

We were staying together while shooting. The most special time
of our schedule was having parties after the pack ups. We were shooting like
crazy and partying like mad. The entire crew was so talented. We had people
singing, dancing. Alex, who plays Bob, is actually a professional singer. The
cherry on the cake was CCji. He started sang ‘Kawalli’. It was an amazing
experience.

Favourite shot  

These conversations with my wife…

Your take on Nepotism 

Stop the negativity around. It’s really sad what happened with
Sushant, but I don’t support the negativity that has been churned out.

One word when I say:

A Suitable boy

Suitable…

Aarya

Sushmita Sen

Namit Das

Happy

Message for young aspiring actors?

Have faith in yourself and God will have faith in you.