Exclusive: Abhay Verma on Munjya, Shah Rukh Khan, and more

October 19, 20244 Mins Read

Abhay Verma has recently gained significant attention for his role as Bittu in the hit horror-comedy Munjya, which has marked a major milestone in his career. Munjya’s success at the box office, particularly its entry into the 100-crore club despite a modest budget, underlines Abhay’s versatility. Abhay’s career path has been shaped by a series of deliberate choices, including his decision to take on the challenging role in Safed instead of opting for a safer project like The Archies.

Abhay Verma

Abhay explains, “Yes, it is partly true that I couldn’t do The Archies because of Safed. Safed was unique. I never imagined I’d be cast as a transgender. It was a surprise, but I’m proud of the choice because it allowed me to represent a marginalised community and advocate for change through my role.” He quipped about being shocked to be cross-dressing in the beginning, but Abhay got accustomed to it soon. His choice exemplifies his fearless approach to acting, driven by a philosophy that embraces risk and challenges. “I’ve never aimed to play it safe. My name, ‘Abhay’, means ‘fearless’. That’s a principle I live by,” he asserts.

Abhay Verma

Despite setbacks, such as missing out on a leading role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi, Abhay’s optimism is unwavering. “I was devastated when it didn’t work out,” he admits, reflecting on his admiration for Bhansali’s work. “Sanjay sir was a major reason I came to Mumbai. Watching Ram Leela profoundly changed my perspective on life.” Nevertheless, Abhay remains hopeful, stating, “I’ve always been an optimist. I truly believe something bigger and better is on the horizon.”

The success of Munjya has been a significant turning point for Abhay, showcasing his versatility and solidifying his standing in the industry. He describes his journey as “failing successfully,” recognising that while many opportunities didn’t materialise, the eventual successes were well worth the struggle. “Many opportunities didn’t pan out but I can proudly say that what did happen was for the best,” he explains.

Abhay’s core philosophy of being true to oneself remains central to his approach. “Everything I’ve achieved has come from being true to myself. The key is not to pretend to be someone else,” he says, highlighting his commitment to authenticity in his work.Looking ahead, Abhay is enthusiastic about future projects, though he remains discreet about details. He expresses admiration for industry icons like Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone. When asked him about the rumours surrounding Shah Rukh Khan starrer King, Abhay does not confirm or deny them. Probing further, he says that he has always admired Shah Rukh Khan and would be privileged to share screen space with him. Intriguingly, he credits legendary singers such as Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle and Mohammad Rafi as having influenced in his acting journey. “I might sound odd but I’ve learnt a lot about acting from their emotional performances in the songs they rendered,” he notes.

Abhay’s journey is supported by a strong network of family and friends, who continue to provide encouragement and pride in his accomplishments. “My family and friends are incredibly proud. Bunny, a close friend, still can’t believe seeing me on screen,” he smiles.As Abhay Verma continues to evolve as an actor, his focus remains on creating impactful performances and embracing new challenges. “Even though I have the luxury of choice now, I concentrate on how to create magic with each character,” he points out. His dedication to his craft ensures that he remains a compelling and evolving talent in the industry.

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