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Aditya Seal, in an exclusive interview with Zoom, opens up about playing a gay character in Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani and how he approached the role without judgment. He talks about understanding same-sex emotions, the importance of representation, and his strong bond with co-star Sunny Singh. Aditya also shares insights about his journey in the industry and his upcoming projects.
Below are the excerpts from the interview –
What do you think Shakti Samanta who made the original Amar Prem, would say about your Amar Prem?
Might just say job well done. 1972’s Amar Prem contributed in taking Indian cinema to new heights. With our non-conventional story we’re trying to do the same.
Any trepidations about playing gay?
Honestly not at all. My kick as an actor is to try and do different roles and characters… and I have a lot of friends that belong to the LGBTQ+ community. My only concern was to represent them correctly in a world that try to burn each other down, it bothers me that people have to fight for the right to love who they want to love.
The process of trying to understand same-sex emotions, was it hard?
The process wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I had to convince myself that it’s a story of two people in love. I just had to tune my mind for my character Prem to fall in love with Amar. When I said it to myself in those many words, the gender went out the window.
Was the shooting undertaken under an oath of secrecy?
Fortunately we were a small crew so the information could be contained but I dont know of any mandate that we tried to follow to keep it under wraps.
How did you stop yourself from judging your character’s sexuality?
Judging Prem was never really a concern. I live in a world where this reality (homosexuality) exists and I work in a business where this reality is in your face. Like I mentioned, I am friends with so many that are a part of the gay community. Also as I gained more experience in life and met people from different walks of life, I realised that love truly is love. You, me or anybody for that matter cannot be the judgemental about it. Why are straight individuals not being judged for being in love with the opposite sex? And I hate it when I get answers like, ‘Oh this is how nature wanted it to be’. If that was truly the case, how did nature change its course?
What did you like about your character the most?
What I loved about Prem was the fact that he wasn’t closeted and he didn’t care about what people thought of him.
How was your equation with your co-star Sunny Singh?
Sunny and I truly became friends, and not one of those friendships that lasts till the movie does. It was super-easy getting along with him because we both are secure performers, trying to better the film.
Did you know one another from before?
Funny thing is that we have lived majority of our life literally two minutes away from each other but met on this movie set. We obviously did know of each other but it took this film for us to meet. Also because of this commonality, our bond was thicker.
Your next?
I will start the next schedule of Maharagini, a film co-starring Kajol ma’am and Prabhu Deva sir.
Happy with your journey so far?
I started from zero and I have definitely walked a few steps from there. I am very grateful for what I have, but of course I have bigger dreams that I am working towards.