From Dushman to fanaticism of Sangharsh, to the courtroom intensity of Mulk, Ashutosh Rana has mastered every shade of villainy with effortless ease, says SAKSHI PRIYA
Indian cinema has always celebrated its heroes, but some actors have carved their legacy by embracing roles that challenge conventions. Ashutosh Rana is one such artist who has left an indelible mark with his fearless choice of characters. Known for his spine-chilling performances in films like Dushman and Sangharsh, Rana redefined villainy in the Hindi film industry. His performances were not just menacing but deeply impactful, leaving audiences captivated and disturbed in equal measure.
With a career spanning decades, Rana has mastered the art of bringing authenticity to every role, whether it’s the calculated cruelty of a villain or the depth of a vulnerable, layered character. Films like Raaz and Shorgul showcased his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, proving that his craft is rooted in versatility.
Recently, Rana has been performing in ‘Humare Ram,’ where he plays the role of Ravan. In this portrayal, he brings a fresh perspective to the character, showing Ravan as not only a figure of ambition and power but one with deep emotional layers.
Rana reflected on his journey, his thoughts on storytelling and the challenges of balancing cinema and theatre. Here’s what he shared.
Breathing Life into Villains
“Even with negative characters, the aim is always to go beyond the expected. Take Dushman, for instance. The character is negative, but it operates in a different emotional space than, say, my role in Sangharsh. These characters may share the label of being ‘negative,’ but they each carry unique baggage, emotions and complexities.
The idea is to bring something new every time. If you watch my work, my goal is that you shouldn’t see traces of my past performances in the current role. You come to watch Ashutosh Rana in a new avatar, not as a repetition of something you’ve already seen.”
Choosing the Road Less Taken
“All the characters you have seen, I have always selected roles I have not done or explored before. As an actor, you must decide whether you want to be an actor or an artist. If you are an actor, you repeat yourself. But if you are an artist, you must break yourself in each and every performance. This diversity is what defines an artist. My effort has always been not to repeat a character I’ve already portrayed.”
The Evolution as an Actor
“I do not do any film in which I am not involved. Acting is not only my passion; it is my profession and my education. My education is acting, my profession is acting and my learning is acting. I do not take up any work in which I am not involved from within.
Whether it is a full-length central character or just two scenes in a film like Fighter, I do not play any role unless it allows me to evolve as a person and as an actor. Every character I play must push me forward.”
Becoming Ravan
“Before doing this, I had written a book, Ramrajya, which became a bestseller and won awards. That process itself was a form of preparation.
Ravan is not a character bound by a single emotion; he operates on multiple levels. He has divinity, aggression, wisdom, purity and even impurity. Like the seven notes of music, To embody Ravan, I did not need to build him; I had to break myself. It is not a role where you add layers to create drama; it is one where you strip away everything until the essence of Ravan emerges. The process is not about constructing a persona; it is about deconstructing Ashutosh Rana so that Ravan can come through.”
Do you feel that a role as iconic as Ravan leaves something within you?
“No, I believe everything is already within us. If we refer to the Gita, it teaches that all emotions come from within. Whether it is love, anger, or wisdom, they exist inside us, we just express them differently.”
Drawing a Line Between Performance and Reality
“But it depends, do you see yourself as a player or a spectator? If you remain a spectator, the role will not consume you. But if you allow it to, it may shape your thoughts, whether it’s Ravan’s wisdom or dominance.
That is why I have set clear boundaries. I do not take my home to the market, nor do I bring the market into my home. If you carry your emotions everywhere, they will consume you. My performance happens in the green room. The moment I wear Ravan’s attire, I become Ravan. But the moment I remove my makeup, Ravan stays behind and Ashutosh walks out.”
On Playing Mythological Characters
“I want to widen my spectrum in terms of mythology and historical roles. I would love to play Krishna. I would love to play Chanakya because that is also a very versatile character.”
No Regrets
“I have no regrets in life. Whatever decisions you made were the only ones possible at that moment, which is why you made them. Life is not about correcting the past; it is a process of evolving. You either grow with age or simply grow old. I believe I am growing.”
A New Perspective on Ravan
“My portrayal of Ravan in Humare Ram also challenges clichés. Traditionally, we view Ravan through a set image, an archetype that doesn’t emotionally connect or move us. The characters I choose, whether negative or otherwise, have a wider horizon. They challenge the audience to look beyond the surface. When you engage with the story, the character naturally resonates. But my goal is never to create a character so overwhelming that you forget the story.”
On Performing Across Different Mediums
“I have had the opportunity to perform in all mediums and I believe that every medium is just a means of expression. If your expression is true, it will connect with people, regardless of the medium, whether it is theatre, film, or television.”
Ravan: A Hero in His Own Story?
Do you think Ravan could be considered the hero of his own story?
“Yes, absolutely. If you look at it from his perspective, he had his own beliefs, his own dharma. Every story has two sides. Even the gods had to take birth on Earth for a reason. That in itself shows the complexity of his character.”
UNFORETTABLE PRESENCE:
For Ashutosh Rana, acting is not about playing a character, it is about becoming, breaking and rebuilding. With every role, he steps into uncharted emotional depths, revealing not just a character but fragments of life itself. Be it a formidable villain, a layered mythological figure, or a storyteller who makes us pause and reflect, Rana’s performances do not just entertain, they resonate. Long after the lights dim and the curtains fall, his stories remain, echoing in the minds of those who dare to look beyond the screen.
Recently, Rana has been performing in the theatre production Humare Ram, where he plays the role of Ravan. In this portrayal, he brings a fresh perspective to the character, showing Ravan as not only a figure of ambition and power but one with deep emotional layers.
