EXCLUSIVE! Loveyapa Actor Yunus Khan On His Experience Meeting Aamir Khan, Shaping His Character & More

Loveyapa Yunus Khan interview: It's like a dream come true for any artist to witness his work on the silver screen. The handsome and supremely talented Yunus Khan is also excited as fans have lauded his performance in Loveyapa. The critics and audiences have praised his rocking act in the romantic comedy starring Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor.

Yunus is on cloud nine and he has every reason to be. In an exclusive interview with Filmibeat, he spoke about his experience meeting his favourite Aamir Khan, shaping up his character in the film and his upcoming projects.

Here are excerpts from the interview!

1. Your role as Jaggi in Loveyapa has been described as lively and full of charm. How did you develop the character's unique presence on-screen, especially when it wasn't fully fleshed out on paper?

I wanted Jaggi to feel like someone we all know-that friend who is charismatic, full of life, and lights up every room. I wanted him to have a natural charm, someone who brings infectious energy whenever he's on screen. Instead of playing him like a typical cliché friend, I focused on building his personality through small nuances, body language, and effortless interactions. Friends play an important role in Loveyapa, so I wanted each of them to stand out in their own way. With Jaggi, I made sure he felt distinct-his enthusiasm, his confidence, and the way he carries himself had to feel real and relatable.

Since the character wasn't entirely fleshed out on paper, I worked on making him as authentic as possible. I added layers to him by imagining his backstory, his motivations, and how he reacts to different situations. Most importantly, I wanted him to look charming and vibrant on screen, someone you instantly connect with. The chemistry with the entire gang helped a lot, and we naturally built a fun camaraderie, which translated beautifully on screen.

2. You mentioned a particularly hilarious scene where your friends play a prank on Jaggi that turns into a key moment in the film. What was the experience like filming such a pivotal scene, and how did you approach it?

Yeah, I mean, it was a blast to shoot! The entire scene is one of the funniest moments in the film and plays a crucial role in pushing the story forward. The whole terrace sequence is not just a fun prank but also the moment where Lovers 21 comes into play, which then leads directly into the main plot. It was such a chaotic yet well-structured scene, and we all had an absolute blast filming it.

The camaraderie between the friends made it so effortless. We were genuinely having fun on set, and that energy reflected on screen. Watching it in theaters and hearing people laugh their hearts out was a surreal experience. It's amazing when a scene lands exactly how you envisioned it, and this one truly worked wonders for me.

3. Meeting Aamir Khan, someone who has shaped your love for storytelling, must have been surreal. What was that experience like, and how did it impact your perspective as an actor in the industry?

It was a surreal moment-meeting Aamir Khan in person felt like a full-circle moment for me. From people calling me the young Aamir Khan to finally being in the same space as the OG, it was like a dream come true. I was definitely nervous at first, but he made everyone around him feel so comfortable. He's one of those people who exudes warmth, and that energy was infectious.

What made it even more special was that he was generous enough to invite us over to his house-not just once, but twice-on the day of the trailer launch and again after the movie's release. For actors like us who are just starting out, it was a moment we'll never forget. He's someone who has shaped Indian cinema, and just being around him reinforced the idea that humility is an artist's greatest virtue. No matter how big you become, staying grounded and kind is what truly defines success.

4. You had the chance to celebrate Loveyapa with Aamir Khan and your team post-release. How did that moment, sharing the success with such a legend, influence your confidence in your career journey?

Celebrating the film's release with Aamir sir and the entire team felt like a milestone moment. It was one of those rare instances where you get to pause and take in everything that has happened. Seeing someone like Aamir sir acknowledge the film and our performances was incredibly encouraging. It made me believe that I was on the right path.

This experience has definitely boosted my confidence. It's one thing to dream about being in this industry, but moments like these make you feel like you truly belong. It's a reminder that hard work pays off, and if you stay consistent and passionate about your craft, things will align.

5. Rang De Basanti was a major influence on your dream to enter the film world. Do you have any plans or aspirations to be part of stories that carry the same weight or social impact in the future?

Absolutely! Films like Rang De Basanti don't just entertain; they ignite something within you. That's the kind of impact I aspire to create someday-stories that move people, challenge perspectives, and leave a lasting impression. As much as I love romcoms and lighthearted films, I also want to be part of narratives that spark conversations and make a difference.

I believe cinema is a powerful tool, and I'd love to work on projects that push boundaries and reflect real societal issues. Whether it's a film that highlights untold stories or one that inspires change, I want to be involved in something meaningful. Hopefully, with time and the right opportunities, I'll get to be part of films that leave a mark just like Rang De Basanti did for me.

6. What's next for you?

More stories, more characters, and hopefully, bigger roles! Loveyapa was just the beginning, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me next. I'm on the hunt for more projects with primary parts to showcase my talent and connect with the audience. I believe I can, and I'm raring to go-Inshallah, I will reach there.

I'm also reaching out to casting directors to think of me and call me for good parts because they're the only medium for outsiders like us to reach our destination. Forever indebted, hopefully will make it.