Priyanshu Painyuli’s career graph has been on the rise ever since he did Vikramaditya Motwane’s Bhavesh Joshi Superhero (2018). The actor, who loves juggling between theatre and films, is currently busy with digital theatre performances. Fresh from Sam Hargrave’s Extraction, in which he plays the villain, Painyuli talks about his journey, how auditions have helped him grow and about his upcoming film, Rashmi Rocket, starring Taapsee Pannu.
Q\There have been many struggles. How do you feel today, with the popularity of Bhavesh Joshi Superhero and now, Extraction?
A\I do not like the word struggle. I was 22 when I came to Mumbai, 10 years ago. It has been like climbing a ladder. I also believe there is some amount of risk with every profession, whether it is in the corporate world or anywhere else. I used to say no to a lot of work. Even when I had financial problems, I used to find some other way of dealing with it. I am not here just to be famous for five years. I don’t want to pick a few films and then go away. I am here to make it as an actor in the long run. That’s how Bhavesh Joshi Superhero came about. I never thought I would make my Hollywood debut, but I think I was cast because of the kind of work I have been doing, and also because I like giving auditions.
Q\Can you describe some of your auditions that helped you grow as an actor?
A\There was this one audition for Sacred Games. I worked on it for a month or two. It was for the role of Cuckoo (ultimately done by Kubbra Sait). I lost a lot of weight and walked around in five-inch heels. Bhavesh Joshi Superhero was in post-production then and Vikram sir (Vikramaditya Motwane) told me to read the part and see if I wanted to do it. I was up for the challenge. A lot of work goes into a part like that. It was an interesting exercise.
Q\You have a couple of interesting projects lined up, including Rashmi Rocket and Mirzapur 2.
A\I am really excited about Rashmi Rocket, working with Taapsee, Akarsh Khurana and RSVP Movies. We had our shoot lined up for this summer. Now, I think we need to be patient. I am a patient guy. I am okay to be home for as long as required. The danger [of the virus] should be out permanently.