Junaid Khan: ‘Papa liked the film, but he is an easy audience’

Before a star kid is launched in Bollywood you will see himher everywheremdashat promotional events on your TV screens and billboards across the city In refreshing contrast Junaid Khan made one of the quietest acting debuts in recent times with Maharaj When most newbies are launched with romcoms or action dramas his choice of maiden film was equally unconventional Director Siddharth P Malhotrarsquos movie offered a retelling of the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case atOptions key d0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7 format iframe height 90 width 728 params ldquoMaharaj is a sensitive story and I trusted Siddharth sir and YRF to tell the story in a sensitive way They felt I suited this role I guess they didnrsquot see me in a romcom or an action drama Adi Aditya Chopra YRF head honcho sir called me after he saw a screen test I had done for another film and cast me He has clarity of vision After watching Maharaj he told me that he really liked itrdquo he saysAlthough the Netflix movie has received mixed reviews Junaid has been largely praised for his restrained performance The actor however knows his strengths and weaknesses He candidly admits ldquoIrsquom a terrible dancer So shooting the Holi song was challenging The confrontation scene in the rain with Jaideep Ahlawat sir was shot in difficult conditions and I wasnrsquot prepared for thatrdquo The audiencersquos verdict regarding Maharaj is out but wersquore more interested in the verdict at home What were his superstarfather Aamir Khan and mother Reena Duttarsquos reactions ldquoPapa really liked the film but he is an easy audience Mama liked it more and she is definitely a tough audiencerdquoItrsquos interesting to note that Aamir one of the biggest Bollywood stars and with a successful production house to boot did not launch his son ldquoNeither of us look at films that wayrdquo says Junaid who believes he put in the workmdashfrom studying acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles to honing his craft in theatre and serving as an assistant director on PK 2014 and short film To Remember Me By 2019mdashbefore facing the camera As a star kid he is aware of his privileges That fuels him to forge his own path in the movies ldquoI have a supportive family and a parent who has been through all of this before I have access to a tremendous knowledge base of professionals within the family as well as colleagues from the industry I have had the opportunity to spend three years studying the craftrdquo He also has the best in the business guiding him Did Aamir give him any acting tips ldquoPapa doesnrsquot give advice or tips unless asked for If you go to him with a specific query he is incredibly helpful There is a lot to learn from himrdquo atOptions key d0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7 format iframe height 90 width 728 params