Akash Jaiswal @ Navbharat
Mumbai: After entertaining the audience with action drama film ‘Fighter’ in 2024 and then romantic comedy film ‘Ek Kori Prem Katha’, actor Akshay Oberoi is back in front of the audience with ZEE5 series ‘The Broken News’ season 2. Sonali Bendre and Jaideep Ahlawat are also playing lead roles in this series. Akshay had an exclusive chat with Navbharat about the series highlighting issues like sensationalism and fake news in the media, where he also discussed the changing trends in the film industry and his career.

You were seen in a serious and action avatar in Fighter. How interesting is your character in this show?
Every character is different. My previous character was a patriot and in this series my character only wants to earn money. He grew up in America and is a businessman. Both my characters are very different from each other. Not much is revealed about my character in the trailer as it is a mysterious character, beyond which I cannot reveal much. If you know everything about it, then you might not enjoy watching this series and that’s why we have covered the preview of this character.

You have done some of the most intense roles in your career. Do fans want to see you in a comedy film?
I want to do such a film and I love comedy. I have a lot of desire to do such a film but luck also plays a big role in it. I am looking for opportunities where I can do comedy. I get offers for more intense roles than comedies, so I keep doing those too.

As an actor, am I afraid that I might not be considered suitable for only serious roles?
I don’t mind it, as I have had the opportunity to play many different characters in my career. I haven’t had much money or fame in my life, but I’ve certainly had a variety of roles. Sometimes I am seen in dramas, sometimes in action films and sometimes in comedy films like ‘Kaalakandi’. I have been trying to do different roles. I have done all genres in my career. The world hasn’t seen much of him, that’s a different matter.

Today, because of digital media, any type of propaganda is exposed, be it in news media or movies. Do you think you have benefited from the growing trend of social media?
Of course, things have become transparent now and what can be better for us than getting accurate information.

You don’t like going to parties or being spotted at the airport, but believe in getting work based on talent. But do you think that not following this culture of the industry puts you at a disadvantage?
Everything has an opposite effect, but you should always do what feels right to you. I think not going to parties, getting clicked by paparazzi at the airport or anywhere outside may take you longer to gain fame but I want to stay in the industry for a long time. If you are preaching everywhere, that lifestyle has a very short lifespan. I did not come as a guest in the film industry. I think this is the right way. If your work is good, you will be sure.

Do you think that this paparazzi and party culture puts a kind of pressure on artists and it is very important to moderate it?
I will not be able to say much on culture because it is a big issue and I don’t want to magnify it. I myself often think that someone who is financially strong can bring himself into the limelight by spending lakhs of rupees on media photographers and other means of publicity. Because of this, viewers who see him on Instagram think that this person has become quite famous. But it is impossible for me to change these things alone. But yes, it is a matter of concern but I have little hope of change. The truth is that if you are talented and hardworking, one day you will surely get credit for your talent. Look at Jaideep Ahlawat in ‘The Broken News’, he is very talented and has been working for so many years and now the industry is recognizing him, a person who starts looking for shortcuts is sure to fall.