Jaideep Ahlawat reacts to comparisons with Irrfan Khan: 'Very personal feeling'

Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins is soon to be released, and Jaideep Ahlawat, who has captivated viewers with his roles in Paatal Lok, Raazi, Raees, and Jaane Jaan, is preparing to do it again. Saif Ali Khan, Kunal Kapoor, and Nikita Dutta are among the actors appearing in the April 25 Netflix release. The film, which is co-directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal, promises to be an exciting ride.

Jaideep Ahlawat’s unique aura draws comparisons to Irrfan Khan

The complex and multi-layered characters that Ahlawat has portrayed have won him a legion of devoted fans. Quite a few of his admirers have compared him to the late actor Irrfan Khan, praising him for carrying on the legendary actor's film heritage.

In a recent interview with India Today, the actor discussed the comparisons, expressing gratitude for the recognition but also realising the pressure that comes with such high expectations. "I mean, what should I say? It's a very personal feeling. Deep down, there is a huge sense of responsibility in a very surreal way," Jaideep revealed. 

Feeling loved by others in this way is an incredible honour, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. He must pursue every step of the process, from scriptwriting to performing, as an art form. Those who view his art aren't really joining him in his explorations unless he is.

Jaideep Ahlawat's rise

Beginning his Bollywood career with a negative role in Priyadarshan's Khatta Meetha, Ahlawat then had a cameo in Aakrosh, co-starring Ajay Devgn. But his breakout performance came in the cult hit Gangs of Wasseypur, directed by Anurag Kashyap. Although his subsequent performances in Raazi and Raees garnered both critical and popular praise, it was his stirring performance as Hathi Ram Chaudhary in the Prime Video series Paatal Lok that truly established him as one of the most accomplished performers of his time.

The similarities to the late Irrfan Khan are especially touching because of the immense impact that actor had on Indian and worldwide film. The grace and depth with which the actor performed in films such as Life of Pi, The Lunchbox, Paan Singh Tomar, and The Namesake set new standards for acting. After a courageous fight with a neuroendocrine tumour, he succumbed to his illness in April of 2020, at the age of 53.

Now, all eyes are on Ahlawat as the release of Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins draws near, waiting to see how he keeps challenging the status quo.