Former Mr. India and actor Akash Choudhary, who is creating a mark in the field that excites him, gets candid with The Pioneer about his formative years, his take on his former co-star Bebika on Bigg Boss, and more.
Tejal Sinha
Having his hands full with multiple opportunities coming up for himself, model-turned-actor Akash Choudhary is on the verge of making a mark in several industries as a whole.
Initially a PR agent, Akash never knew he could ever be a part of any pageant. But as they say, ‘What’s meant to be will always be because there’s a plan for each one of us.’ So was it for Akash too that he not only participated but also was titled Mr. India back in 2016? From being an under confident hombre to a confident one, the pageant not only boosted his confidence but also brought him a lot of attention. From winning a pageant title to venturing into modelling, he started receiving multiple offers for acting.
However, as we connect with Akash, he shares, “To be completely honest, I initially lacked the skills and knowledge of acting, and I struggled during auditions. Acting wasn’t something I had planned or prepared for. It simply happened unexpectedly. Prior to this, I was a scholar studying LLB and preparing for the civil service. The sudden shift into the entertainment industry felt surreal and almost unreal.”
After that, he appeared on Splitsvilla season 10, went on to star in Alt Balaji’s episodic web series titled Balaji, and then made his debut in the full-fledged show Bhagya Lakshmi, where he is still winning hearts. “Bhagya Lakshmi came my way; it presented a great opportunity as it posed a significant challenge,” enthuses the former Mr. India. Unlike his previous auditions for negative roles, he says, “Starting my career with a renowned production house like Balaji was always a personal aspiration, and I found a warm welcome from the team, particularly Ekta ma’am. The portrayal of the character in Bhagya Lakshmi was truly exceptional, and it provided me with the ideal launch I had been seeking.”
Unlike many other actors, Akash stands out from the crowd when it comes to his selection of projects. In a show, “I seek attention, substantial screen time, and relevance. Therefore, when choosing a character or a show, I prioritise being associated with a reputable channel. I have turned down offers from smaller channels as I believe it is essential to invest my energy in projects that can offer the level of fame and recognition I aspire to achieve. I would rather refrain from working for an extended period than accept an undervalued offer.”
While some may perceive his criteria as arrogance, he considers them a matter of personal choice. “I do not see myself fitting into smaller or supporting roles or characters with limited shooting schedules. I firmly believe that I am destined for significant opportunities, and I consciously select projects, channels, productions, and shows that align with this belief.”
Well, talking about Bhagya Lakshmi, does something else come to mind? Of course, his co-star Bebika Dhurve, who is currently seen in Bigg Boss OTT 2. Bebika, being one of the ‘muphat’ strongest contestants in the house, has been one of the talk-of-the-town contestants. Her arguments since the first week of the most controversial show have received several mixed reactions from netizens. What does her co-star feel about her performance? Let’s hear from him. “We had very limited interaction. From the few interactions I did have with Bebika, I found her to be a pleasant person on set. It’s a bit surprising for me to see her portrayed in a certain way on television now. Initially, when Big Boss started, I even posted a supportive story for Bebika because I genuinely liked her. However, seeing how she has transformed, it’s not something I appreciate. I understand that it’s a show, and people may do things for attention. If behaving in a certain manner is part of her game plan, then it seems to be working for her.”
In a few of the episodes, we’ve seen Bebika having a heated argument with her co-contestants, especially Abhishek, Manisha, and Jad too. Witnessing the argument, Akash Choudhary voiced his frustration with what he termed fake feminism prevalent on reality shows. He found it disconcerting to observe the inconsistencies and double standards that unfolded during the altercation.
“I strongly disagree with the portrayal of feminism on the show. As someone who believes in women’s empowerment and equality, I find the behaviour displayed to be completely fake and wrong. True feminism is about seeking equality and respect for both genders.
However, the way she is behaving on the show is extremely disheartening. It’s unfair to belittle and insult men while expecting them to treat women a certain way. We are all human beings, and if I were in their position, I might have responded with even harsher words without any remorse. Such derogatory remarks coming from women are not something I support. Furthermore, when men retaliate and call her out, she labels them as lacking culture. In reality, they are simply reacting as any human being would when provoked. It’s clear to me that she fabricates incidents and creates unnecessary conflicts. It seems that when she lacks substantial things to say, she resorts to making up such situations. This is my observation as I closely follow the show.”
Akash, being someone who doesn’t subscribe to the notion that age or gender automatically warrants respect, reveals, “I have been a victim of pseudo-feminism and the misuse of the woman card in the past. These were unpleasant situations that I had to navigate legally. Since then, I have maintained a mindset of equality, irrespective of gender, age, or any other factor. I firmly believe that wrong is wrong, regardless of who commits it, and I will not hesitate to speak out against it. Equality should be upheld regardless of one’s identity or status.”
Unlike previous seasons, Akash, being an avid Bigg Boss viewer, feels that where people would go all out, this time it seems that some are overly conscious of their image and are being politically correct. However, talking about who he feels is playing well, he mentions Abhishek Malhan and Manisha Rani. “I have followed the show for the past four or five years. However, this season, I must admit that I find it a bit boring. Some contestants show potential, but overall, it seems like they are not taking the show seriously enough. The casting choices also feel somewhat lacklustre, with a mix of great and underwhelming contestants.”
After observing the current state of TV and web content as an actor, Akash has now also ventured into production. The reason behind this decision, he says, is to transform the conversation surrounding TV shows. “I find that the current shows are often regressive and lack realism, with repetitive casting choices. I want to bring back the essence of larger-than-life television that was prominent in the 2010–2012 era, featuring exceptional actors who prioritise talent. When I wasn’t getting the right opportunities as an actor, I thought, “Why not create shows myself?” Perhaps in the future, I could even develop a platform for myself and others who have faced rejection due to unjustified reasons or budget constraints. Many of my friends have experienced similar struggles, and I believe it’s time to address these issues and provide a platform for deserving talent.”
On the other hand, Akash, being a passionate foodie, also has plans to venture into the food business, explore the space, and channel his love for food and drinks.
