Aashay Kulkarni: There were times when director Samit Kakkad wouldn’t say cut during Indori Ishq

Taking a leap from the Marathi industry, Aashay Kulkarni made his debut with the Hindi web series Indori Ishq, which released on MX Player on June 10. The actor played the role of Kunal (Ritvik Sahore)’s best friend from Mumbai, Mahesh.

The web series marked Aashay’s debut in web and as per his own confession to OTTplay, has become quite a memorable experience. The actor also recalled working with Samit Kakkad and the time when the director did not even say cut for a scene.

Excerpts from the interview:

What would you say about your OTT experience?

OTT is a good platform. It opened up a lot of opportunities for newcomers. I also believe that it is helping those actors who are good at their work but aren’t able to reach the level they should be at. I think OTT is very necessary and it has helped me out to reach new people.

Coming from a background which is not associated with the Hindi industry in any way, was the journey tough for you?

My journey has been very smooth since I met good people. I’m actually really glad to be a part of this industry. I struggled in the sense that I had to audition for many roles and not end up getting them but nobody ever criticized me, so I’m thankful to the people here (in Mumbai).

Are you like Mahesh in real life?

Not at all. He’s a casanova and I come from a middle-class family with set rules.

Mahesh is best friends with Kunal. Many recent movies like Sanju, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety and Kabir Singh have explored friendship. So were these movies your reference?

I think more than that, the bond between me and Ritvik helped us on sets. On our first day, we shared the moment when we faced heartbreak.

Do you have a Mahesh in your life?

I have someone better than Mahesh, who is my best friend. He is currently in the US. He really hated talking to me in engineering college, but we ended up buying an Apace in college and Volkswagen recently. I think that is the bond Kunal and Mahesh also share.

Tell me about your most memorable experience shooting with Ritvik.

It was at Nariman Point, when I came on a scooter which Munna and Circuit used in Munnabhai MBBS. That scene itself gave me the good vibes. Moreover, me and Ritvik really bonded post that scene, so definitely that is my most memorable moment.

How was it working with Samit Kakkad?

He’s in my top 5 directors. He’s very cool and open to suggestions. He also gives you the space which an actor needs. There was a time when we were done with the scene and he wouldn’t cut the scene.

What’s next for you?

I’ve done a show for Balaji Telefilms and a Marathi film, ‘Bhaubali.’ I’m doing a daily show on Zee Marathi and I’m also hoping to work on a web series.