Mar 06, 2026 2:24pm IST
Aditya Rawal: ‘My play as writer-producer, ‘The Queen,’ is being staged in Ahmedabad and will also tour the country’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Son of actors Paresh Rawal and Swaroop Sampat Rawal, Aditya Rawal instantly comes across as a grounded and warm human being with his inherited genes showcasing a multi-talented young man in peak fettle.
He’s been a writer since childhood and aimed to be a football champion before his chromosomes reminded him that he was also to the acting manor born. In his recent outing, “Subedaar,” he plays a baddie. Here he talks about his role and his journey so far…
What attracted you to “Subedaar”?
My character is so colourful and bizarre! This is the film where I had the most fun working and learnt the most from my co-stars as well as the director (Suresh Triveni). I was in awe of the director’s team that made me feel so comfortable and I realized that it all trickles down from the director and the lead actor, Anil Kapoor sir! He was so charged! It was really enjoyable how he motivated everyone!
From writing and football to acting, what spurred that change?
I was always fond of writing, maze ke liye [for fun]! I was the football captain for Mumbai University. I played for the city, the state, but I then came to a point in life where I wondered what future my ambition to be a professional footballer had! We did not, for example, have an Indian Super League. I have grown up watching European football and I knew that our quality and facilities can never match up. I was writing for the stage and also acting alongside. But I always knew I would be an actor and it would be a two-pronged journey.
Before your debut film “Bumfaad,” you also co-wrote the film, “Panipat.”
Yes. I also co-wrote “Dear Father,” the Gujarati screen adaptation of the Marathi play, “Katkon Trikon,” and “Siachen” for the stage, which has completed 50 shows in two years. I have written the film “Jo Tera Hai Woh Mera Hai” on my own. It was released on JioCinema in 2024.
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So theater and writing will go on simultaneously.
Of course! My play as writer-producer, “The Queen,” is being staged in Ahmedabad and will also tour the country.
When do you plan to direct a film?
Oh, I will not direct for another five years at least! I am very busy and also creatively satisfied. In films, I can match the same pursuit of excellence that I want! The films and plays of my father, and my maternal grandfather Bachu Sampat’s plays really inspired me and have broadened my horizons. My grandfather was also an honorary producer with Indian National Theater and in fact, it was during one of his productions, that my parents (Paresh Rawal and Swaroop Sampat) met each other.
So what was your parents’ reaction to your decision to act?
They were pretty pleased! They knew I was working hard at understanding the process and had the capability to do well in my chosen fields and for the right reasons. I knew I had to carve out my own identity as eventually my work would speak and not [the fact of] whose son I am.
‘Subedaar,’ ‘Daldal,’ ‘Faraaz,’ ‘Bambai Meri Jaan,’ you seem to have a leaning towards negative roles.
Not really! I like to understand characters and not judge them! I don’t think about such things too much. I know I can be versatile. I have three films on hand, and they all have me in absolutely the opposite of roles I have done so far. And I am very excited about them.
Your father began in cinema with negative roles mainly, but has now shown such monumental range.
I think that having a long career requires one to do all manner of roles under the sun. Dad has also played characters from every corner of the country and I want to and am really looking forward to exploring all genres and tones. The scope is limitless.
Have you acted alongside your father?
Yes, and when you enter the profession of your parents, you finally get to make such wonderful memories because of them! You get to see what makes them what they are, and how a scene between two actors transcends from the professional sphere into treasured personal experiences! Also, how many of us actually get to work with our parents?
You have also written two films for him.
Oh, he challenges you and multiplies the effectiveness of the scene tenfold! My father is so collaborative in creating moments that I am blown away! I am now writing a new play for him.
How did 'Dear Father' happen?
My father asked me if I would like to be one of the writers on “Dear Father.” Over time, I have pitched many stories to him that he did not like and I appreciate him for not doing any special favors for me.
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