Kshitij Chauhan, known for his charismatic performance in the web show Chutzpah, has now made a striking debut on the big screen with the action-drama Vedaa. In this film, he takes on the role of the antagonist, sharing the screen with John Abraham and Sharvari. In this candid interview, Chauhan reveals how he landed the role, his memorable moments with John Abraham, and his thoughts on playing diverse characters.

How did you land the role in Vedaa?

It started with a casting call from “On My K-Roll,” a casting company led by Mr. Kabir Sinha. They reached out to me with the script and an audio brief for the role. I prepared for the audition, and a few weeks later, while I was shooting an ad in Rajasthan, I got a callback. They told me Nikhil sir wanted to meet me, and I was thrilled. After our meeting, where we discussed the character and the story, Nikhil sir decided to cast me. That’s how I ended up in Vedaa.

When did you find out you’d be working with John Abraham and Sharvari?

I found out about a month after being cast. During some reading and workshop sessions, the assistant directors mentioned that John Abraham would be playing Abhimanyu and Sharvari would be Vedaa. I was ecstatic to be working with such talented actors.

What was your first meeting with John Abraham like?

Meeting John for the first time was a fantastic experience. He was incredibly friendly and made me feel at ease right away. We had great conversations in between shots—talking about fitness, family, and acting. I expected him to be a bit distant, given his star status, but he was genuinely kind and down-to-earth. It was a very pleasant surprise.

Did you have any reservations about playing a villain in your debut film?

Not at all. Every film needs both protagonists and antagonists to tell a compelling story. For me, it’s about the significance of the role rather than whether it’s a hero or villain. I was excited about the opportunity to play a substantial character and contribute to the film’s narrative.

Are you aiming to be a hero or a versatile actor?

I’m focused on being a versatile actor. While playing a hero is appealing, what matters most to me is taking on roles that are impactful and well-crafted. I’m open to exploring different types of characters, and as long as my role contributes meaningfully to the film, I’m excited to take it on. Hard work and dedication are what drive me, and that’s what I’ve learned from this experience.