Sunny Hinduja has become a household name in a short span of time with his impeccable acting skills and attractive on-screen presence. After hitting the ball out of the park with web shows like Aspirants, The Family Man and Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare to name a few, he convincingly played the antagonist in the recently released family entertainer, Shehzada. Despite playing a negative character, he was loved by the audience. 

As Shehzada brings him well-deserved acclaim and attention, PeepingMoon spoke to Sunny about playing an antagonist's role in the film. The actor further opened up about his experience working with Kartik Aaryan, the film being compared to Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, the box office performance of Shehzada and also the upcoming season of Aspirants. 

Excerpts from the interview:

What went behind prepping for the role? 

Most of the prep was physical in order to get the right body frame for the character. Since I am playing such a role for the first time, it was challenging for me. I was put on a strict diet to achieve the target. 

Previously, you had mentioned director Rohit Dhawan had offered Shehzada after he saw you in The Family Man and Aspirants. Can you call them a game-changer for your career?

Yes, absolutely. Aspirants and The Family Man were game-changers for me.

What measures were taken to not make your character in Shehzada not look caricaturish?

I don’t believe in going into the caricaturish zone. The character has to be convincing even if intentionally caricaturish. I tried to make my character real as I could.

What are your most fond memories from the sets of Shehzada? 

The Mauritius shoot schedule was the most memorable one for me. While Kartik and I were against each other in Shehzada, we bonded well off-cameras. Kartik was so chilled out. We spoke to each other about our respective journeys too.

Shehzada was compared to Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo. Do you feel it was unfair?

I haven’t seen Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, so cannot comment on it. We have to accept the audience’s reaction. People will share what they feel. We have to be open to it too. Speaking of Shehzada, it is a collaborative work. Sabne dil se aur passion se banaya hai.

Despite having enough buzz, Shehzada is getting a lukewarm response at the box office..

Kuch kar nahi sakte na, this is the situation. We have to accept it. If a situation around me isn’t favourable, I have to work harder and come back.

Did the Pathaan wave somewhere affect Shehzada? 

I don’t think so. Every film has its audience and consumers. I don’t believe one film can affect the business of the other. There is an audience for Pathaan as well as Shehzada. I don’t think that factor came into play. 

Is Aspirants Season 2 on the cards? 

Aspirants Season 2 is very much happening. We’re starting the shoot soon but I don’t know when it will release.

Apart from Aspirants Season 2, what are your upcoming projects?

I am doing a show titled Railway Men which is the first-ever show made for Yash Raj Film's OTT platform. It will hopefully come this year. Apart from that, I am shooting for a Netflix series but it’s yet to be announced.