Sunny Kaushal bhangra dancing in the dance extravaganza Bhanga Paa Le is, in one word, extraordinary. The young actor, who happens to be Vicky Kaushal’s sibling, says it was a challenge.
“It wasn’t easy getting the role and preparing for it,” Sunny recounts. “Being from a Punjabi family, I was familiar with bhangra. Every year, Vicky and I would be taken by our father (action director Sham Kaushal) to our roots in Punjab, where bhangra is a way of life,” says Sunny.
He adds that training to learn the dance form professionally was another ballgame altogether .
“When I heard the role, I was determined that it had to be me and no one else playing the double role of two individuals from different generations, locked together through bhangra. I was willing to audition as many times as required, but the role had to be mine. Once I got the role, then began the intense bhangra rehearsals.”
Many think Bhangra Paa Le is Sunny’s debut film. “It is not,” he clarifies. “I made my debut with Sunshine Music Tours & Travels in 2016. Then I played a Sikh hockey player in Reema Kagti’s Gold. No one remembers me in the first film because no one saw it. As for Gold, I was unrecognisable as a Sardar. I had to wait for two years to get my second film. I’m not afraid to bide my time. I don’t have to worry about where my next meal comes from,” he smiles.
Being Vicky Kaushal’s brother is neither a boon nor a bane, Sunny opines. “Vicky and I have our own journey. I am just so proud of what Vicky has achieved. Our father is a self-made man, so is Vicky. I am happy to go along with whatever destiny has in store. I’ve been a struggler since 2016, and I will continue to struggle if I have to,” he concludes.
