EXCLUSIVE: Skand Thakur Talks About His Upcoming JioCinema Show Khalbali Records, Article 370 Success & More

Khalbali Records Actor Skand Thakur Exclusive Interview: After the breakthrough performance in Yami Guatam starrer 'Article 370', actor Skand Thakur is gearing up for the release of his next 'Khalbali Records'. Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Devanshu Singh, the musical-drama is all set to premiere on JioCinema premiere tomorrow (September 12). Ahead of the release, the actor got engaged in an exclusive interview with Filmibeat and opened up on his character, how he bagged the show, the box office success of 'Article 370' and more.

Excerpts from the interview:

1) Firstly, congratulations for the amazing response to the trailer of 'Khalbali Records'. It has been receiving positive response from all quarters. How does it feel like?

It feels great. We have put in our heart and soul into it. I hope our show gets the same love and excitement as well. It's a good feeling and we are pretty excited for everyone to watch the show.

2) How did you the show happened? Did you give audition for Raghav's character?

Yes, I auditioned for Khalbali Records, just like any other project. This one was obviously a little big for me because it was for the main character's part. We had multiple rounds of auditions between me and Devanshu sir. It was a project I really wanted to be a part of so, I gave it my everything.

3) What was the one quality of your character, Raghav, that you could instantly relate with as Skand?

There were a couple of things which were very close to me in person. First and the foremost, it's the music because it's a big part in everyone's life. The entire hip-hop part of the show that we have. I am a big fan of hip-hop music, I have been listening to it for years now. The second thing of Raghav which I thought was very close to me was patience. I am generally a very patient person in life. I do not react to things very quickly... even if I am upset, I won't really show it and Raghav is very patient an hardworking. As we went ahead with the show, there were so many little things that I felt like I could relate to them personally.

4) You play Ram Kapoor's son, Raghav, in the show. How was shooting experience with him like?

Shooting with Ram Kapoor is something really memorable for me. When you shoot with someone so experienced and who's been in the industry for so long, you are bound to learn things. He's extremely talented, there's so much ease in what he does. One thing that I picked up from him that I would to imbibe is that one he leaves his vanity, you will never see a script in his hand. Even if the scene is 4-5 pages long, he will remember each and every comma, full stop, In fact, he would remember my dialogues as well. I felt like he was there for me and it gave me so much confidence. He is very nice and fun person to be around.

5) Nowadays almost every actor is making their way into OTT, whereas you made you debut on OTT. How do you look at it?

One thing I have realized after Article 370 that there's no feeling that comes close to watching yourself on big screen. At the end of the day, every actor wants to do good work across all platforms. All we look for is appreciation for our work, it doesn't matter whether it's OTT or cinemas. Now, when there are so many platforms with great scripts being written, I don't think people are really thinking about who's invading whose space. I think this is good exchange and exposure.

6) Your first theatrical release, Article 370, was a box office success. What was the best compliment you received for your performance in the film?

There are actually two compliments. The first one was someone gave me a compliment over the entire action bit. the person told me that my look, behaviour and body language were exactly like a soldier. The compliment was very special for me because I had trained for only 15-20 days. It actually came from a cousin of mine who is in the army. And the second compliment that could remember someone didn't recognize me after the film because I shaved off my beard. The person started talking about the film right in front of me. Later, when the conversation got over, I told him that I was guy who played Wasim Abbasi and he was shocked. That was a great compliment for because it meant that I was completely into the character and I felt that I did my job my well.