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TOKshay Kumar has seen the best and worst of the film industry since he made his acting debut in 1991. Of late, he has had to experience a series of failures, the most recent of which was sarfirabased on the life of Air Deccan founder Captain Gorur R Iyengar Gopinath, a pioneer of low-cost aviation. The 56-year-old actor will next appear in Khel Khel Meinhis third release of the year. In an interaction with Forbes India, the superstar talks about the experience of failure, his passion for work and the need to provide the audience with entertaining content. Edited excerpts:
Q. What drew you to do Sarfira? What aspect of the story intrigued you the most?
When I first heard the story of sarfiraI was instantly captivated by Captain Gopinath’s boldness and vision. His dream of creating a low-cost airline in India is nothing short of revolutionary. What intrigued me the most was the way he faced numerous obstacles, his resilience, his passion and determination. The story is not just about aviation, but about breaking barriers, challenging norms and believing in the impossible. That kind of story was inspiring and aligned perfectly with the kind of cinema I want to be a part of.
Q. What is the biggest barrier you broke in life to become the superstar you are?
I think the biggest barrier I had to overcome was the limitation mindset. Coming from a humble background, the idea of making films in Bollywood seemed like a distant dream to me. The industry is competitive and to break into it, you need more than just talent – you need resilience, hard work and a bit of luck. But I was stubborn and adamant. So I took risks, trusted my instincts and stayed focused on my goals. That persistence has been crucial in shaping my journey.
Q. Over a 30-year career, you have experienced unprecedented ups and downs, the latest of which was the recent setback. How would you compare this phase with the 16 failures you suffered at the beginning of your career? Have you learned to deal with failure differently? Is it easy or difficult to move on?
There is a lot of blood, sweat and passion behind every film. It is heartbreaking to see a film fail, but you have to learn to look on the bright side. Every failure teaches you the value of success and increases the hunger for it even more. Luckily, I learned to deal with it at an early stage in my career. Of course, it hurts and it shocks you, but that won’t change the fate of the film. It’s not something that is in your control… what is in your control is to work harder, make amends and give your all to your next film. That’s how I channel my energy and try to move on to the next one, focusing my energy where it matters the most.
Q. At the same time, it is commendable that you are still at the top even now. What has been your greatest strength? How do you motivate yourself?
My greatest strength has been my discipline and work ethic. I literally work to a schedule… I sleep, eat, and work at a set time, and I shoot for a specific number of hours. I have followed this for years. Staying fit, both mentally and physically, has also played a crucial role in my longevity in the industry. The motivation comes from a genuine love for what I do and continuing to make films that so many livelihoods depend on. Additionally, the support and love of my fans fuels my passion and commitment on this journey.
Also Read: You must have the spirit of optimism, that good things will happen: Captain Gopinath of Air Deccan
Q. After the pandemic, we’ve seen that the number of moviegoers has decreased. Has that changed the way you approach your films or the projects you choose?
The pandemic has undoubtedly changed the dynamics of the film industry. With audiences now more selective about going to the cinema, it has become crucial to choose projects that offer something completely entertaining and unique. I have become more conscious of the content, making sure it resonates with the current times and provides an experience that justifies a visit to the cinema. It is all about finding stories that not only entertain but also connect deeply with the audience.
Q. What has been the ‘Sarfira’ moment in your life?
It would be the decision to move from action films to comedy. Since I was trained in martial arts, action came easy to me, to a point where I was being cast in roles not because of my acting, but because I could do a certain stunt. No one was offering me roles in dramas, romances, and much less comedy films because it was perceived, and I was even told at times, that it was something I couldn’t do. And then one day, Priyan Sir [filmmaker Priyadarshan] He offered me a role in Hera Pheria pure and hard comedy. I went ahead and did it against all odds. I decided to dismantle and reassemble, and I managed to do what I didn’t even believe I could do: comedy. And after a few years, once again this “Sarfira” moment came in my life when I took a leap of faith and changed course. [doing] Social films.
Q. Did you watch Soorarai Pottru, the Tamil version of Sarfira? How did you mentally interpret the character?
Yes I saw it Soorarai PottruAnd I loved it. I knew this story was for a broader audience because its core elements have universal appeal. For my character, I delved into the psyche of someone who is visionary yet incredibly realistic. Mentally, I approached the character as someone who constantly fights against the odds, but does so with purpose and a clear vision. Understanding his motivations and sacrifices came easy to me because so much of his story has similarities to my struggles from the early days. That helped me understand and make the character my own. It was about capturing the essence of a man who is both a dreamer and a doer.
Q. How was the experience of working with director Sudha Kongara?
Working with Sudha Kongara was an absolute pleasure. She is a director with a clear vision and a deep understanding of her craft. Before sarfiraI had seen some of his work and was deeply impressed by his storytelling skills and attention to detail. On set, his passion for the project was evident and he brought out the best in everyone.
