With the release of Sapne Vs. Everyone Season 2, Akhil Kaimal has struck a chord with audiences as Ashwin, a filmmaker battling the crushing weight of ambition in Mumbai. His performance feels lived-in, likely because his own journey from Kerala to Mumbai mirrors the very struggle he portrays on screen. Having spent roughly five years in the city, Akhil admitted that about 95% of Ashwin’s frustration and hope is a reflection of his personal reality, including his early days working as a casting associate to keep his dreams alive. We sat down with him for an exclusive interview, and he opened up on his graph and experiences dabbling in different roles.
The bond between Ashvin and Prashant
One of the most praised aspects of the show is the chemistry between the flatmates. Akhil recalled how his relationship with Paramvir Singh Cheema, who plays Prashant, translated from off-screen comfort to on-screen magic. He shared, “Param and I used to sit and talk about different things between takes. No one used to go back to their vanity and sit alone. We used to behave like flatmates even when the cameras weren’t rolling.” He mentioned that a quiet, emotional beach scene was a turning point for their professional bond. He said, “Param told me he could genuinely feel everything I was expressing in that moment. As actors, it takes a certain level of generosity and confidence to acknowledge each other’s work like that.”
On working with Ambrish Verma
The guidance of director Ambrish Verma was instrumental in Akhil finding the rhythm of the character. Akhil described Ambrish as a director who gives actors space but knows exactly when to step in. He recalled, “On my first day of shooting, we were filming one of the most crucial scenes, and I was honestly very nervous. Ambrish bhai played a track on set, Hand Covers Bruise, and asked me to sit with it.” That musical approach became a recurring theme throughout the shoot. He added, “Whenever I felt stuck, I would ask him, ‘What music are you hearing for this scene?’ and it became my way into the character.” He also credited Ambrish for validating his unique take on the role, mentioning that the director initially imagined Ashwin as more serious, but appreciated the lighter moments and smiles Akhil brought to the table.
Stepping into the Dharma Universe
Akhil is now gearing up for a major shift in scale with Dharma Productions’ Chand Mera Dil. Recalling the moment he landed the role, Akhil described it as a feeling of “having arrived.” Working with director Vivek Soni, known for his visual sensitivity, was a highlight for Akhil. He shared, “Vivek sir is a person of frames. He is very clear about what he wants. I remember once I improvised something, and he took me to the side, not shouting like some might and explained the scene’s importance so clearly that I immediately understood why the improvisation wasn’t working.”
Working with Lakshya
Collaborating with his co-stars in Chand Mera Dil was equally rewarding. Akhil spoke warmly of working alongside Lakshya, describing him as a “no-filter, honest” person despite his rising stardom. He explained, “Lakshya is a very casual, Delhi boy on set. There was no big star attitude between us. We would sit and talk about the craft and acting techniques, which surprised me on such a big set.” He mentioned that Lakshya was particularly impressed by his dedication to mastering the Hyderabadi accent. He shared, “He was excited when I told him I lived in Hyderabad for a week just to get the lines right. He said that’s the level of dedication everyone should achieve.”
On being asked about the actors he really admires, Akhil revealed liking Vijay Varma and his all-time favourite legendary Mammootty. Looking ahead, Akhil is set to explore his darker side in an upcoming period drama for Netflix, directed by Nupur Asthana and Santosh Singh, where he will play a grey, negative character.
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