Exclusive: The Family Man's Ashmith Kunder gets candid about his transition from a producer to an actor

By Nishant A Bhuse

on October 08, 2019

Ashmith Kunder, with his cameo in Amazon Prime Originals', recently released The Family Man, left an impressive mark in the acting industry. He, the brother of filmmaker Shirish Kunder, made a transition from being a successful film producer with Babumoshai Bandookbaaz, as well as editor with films like Dasaavataram, Shor in the City and Lamhaa to his credit. And as The Family Man turned out to be a favourite with the audience, in an interview with PeepingMoon.com, Ashmith spilled the beans of bagging the role and spoke about his future projects that are in the lineup. Read on:

How difficult was it to act since you have been a writer-director editor and producer?

Ashmith: New actors may sometimes get intimidated by the number of people watching them on set, the camera & lights etc, but that was definitely not the case with me since I have spent enough time on the sets, especially since I have directed many ad films. Also, I feel having technical knowledge is a plus for any actor.

You have edited a film with Raj & DK, did that bag you the role or was there an audition process too?

Ashmith: It is because of the film that I edited for them is how I know them. Since we had spent long hours with each other in the editing room, I guess Raj & DK had seen my antics they were confident that I was right for the part and surprisingly I didn't have to audition. In fact, a couple of days back I asked Raj, how could he cast me in such a crucial part without an audition? It's not just a powerful character in a crucial point in the plot, but also a very complex shot to film, as it's a single take of 13 minutes and his answer was that he has done this gamble quite a few times with cast, as well as crew and it's fortunately always paid off well. Hats off to their conviction and I shall be eternally grateful to them for giving me this opportunity.

Recommended Read: The Family Man Review: Manoj Bajpayee is in excellent form doubling up as a harangued father-husband and an undercover spy

Do gangster films entice you as you also made Babumoshai Bandookbaaz?

Ashmith: Ha ha ha, that's just a coincidence! But yes, I do love gangster films. In fact, I would someday like to direct a gangster film... Maybe a funny gangster film.

Any memes about you on social platforms? Has this cameo worked for you?

Ashmith: For some reason, my dialogues have really clicked with the audience and have given rise to a spate of memes and some of them are really funny. Quite a few filmmakers and some actors as well have called and complimented me on my performance. So I guess the cameo has worked for me. What else can one expect in a cameo other than to be noticed and appreciated?

What are your future projects? Will you continue to direct edit, produce and write in the future?

Ashmith: On the acting front, I am currently shooting for a series based in the 70s. It's a really big production and a very challenging part with the use of prosthetics as well. Other than this I am committed to doing a rom-com feature film and another project for Raj and DK. Of course, I shall continue being a technician and filmmaker... As long as they excite me creatively.

What was the reaction of your brother Shrish Kunder?

Ashmith: This has been probably the first time he has absolutely loved my work. Prior to this, he has almost always found some shortcoming or other in everything I have done, maybe it's an elder brother trait. But this time he has found no faults in my performance and that for me personally is a very big achievement.