With the launch of Sapne vs. In the second season, Akhil Kaimal has struck a chord with the audience as Ashwin, a filmmaker struggling with the crushing weight of ambition in Mumbai. His performance feels lived-in, probably because his own journey from Kerala to Mumbai mirrors the struggle he portrays on screen. Having spent about five years in the city, Akhil admitted that around 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 spoke about his graph and his experiences of venturing into different roles.
The bond between Ashvin and Prashant
One of the most praised aspects of the program is the chemistry between the housemates. 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 dressing table and sit alone. We used to behave like roommates even when the cameras were not rolling.” He mentioned that a calm and emotional beach scene was a turning point for their professional bond. He said, “Param told me that he could really feel everything I was expressing in that moment. As actors, it takes a certain level of generosity and trust to recognize each other’s work in that way.”
On working with Ambrish Verma
Director Ambrish Verma’s guidance was instrumental in Akhil finding the rhythm of the character. Akhil described Ambrish as a director who gives space to actors but knows exactly when to intervene. He recalled, “On my first day of shooting, we were shooting one of the most crucial scenes and honestly, I was very nervous. Ambrish bhai played a song on the set, Hand Covers Bruise, and asked me to sit with it.” That musical approach became a recurring theme throughout filming. He added: “Every time I felt stuck, I would ask him, ‘What music are you listening to for this scene?’ and it became my path to the character.” He also credited Ambrish for validating his unique interpretation of the role, mentioning that the director initially envisioned Ashwin as more serious, but appreciated the more light-hearted moments and smiles that Akhil brought to the table.
Entering the Universe of Dharma
Akhil is now gearing up for a major change of scale with Dharma Productions’ Chand Mera Dil. Recalling the moment he got 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 framing person. He is very clear about what he wants. I remember once I improvised something and he took me aside, without shouting like some would, and explained the importance of the scene so clearly that I immediately understood why the improvisation was not working.”
Working with Lakshya
Collaborating with his co-stars in Chand Mera Dil was equally rewarding. Akhil spoke warmly of working alongside Lakshya and described him as an “honest and unfiltered” person despite his growing stardom. He explained, “Lakshya is a very casual Delhi boy on the 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 got emotional when I told him that I lived in Hyderabad for a week just to get the lines right. He said that’s the level of dedication everyone should achieve.”
When asked about the actors he really admires, Akhil revealed that he liked Vijay Varma and his all-time favorite legendary Mammootty. Looking ahead, Akhil will explore his darker side in an upcoming period drama for Netflix, directed by Nupur Asthana and Santosh Singh, where he will play a gray and negative character.
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