Priyanshu Painyuli remembers being blown away by Aanand L Rai’s Raanjhanaa (2013) when he had watched it. Over a decade on, what was unthinkable to the actor has happened — he features in Rai’s upcoming film, Tere Ishk Mein, starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon. Working with the filmmaker is an experience he holds close to his heart. “Aanand sir has this beautiful way of grounding intense emotions in everyday moments. Nothing feels manufactured, you just sink into the world he builds,” said Painyuli of Rai’s approach to love stories. 

Owing to that and the creative freedom he offers his actors, Painyuli counts Rai among his favourite directors. He elaborated, “On set, you feel safe to explore, to fail, and to find new shades as a performer. It has been a learning experience, and a lot of fun. There’s warmth in the way he directs and sincerity in the way he sees love.”