Palak Tiwari On ‘Lukkhe’ Co-Star King: ‘I’m very protective of our chemistry’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Palak Tiwari stars alongside singer-songwriter and rapper King (real name: Arpan Kumar Chandel), who makes his acting debut in the recently released Prime Video series “Lukkhe.” She is excited about working with him for the first time. Tiwari, who plays a musician in the Chandigarh-based rap drama, tells Variety India that King is a generous co-star who has excelled in his acting debut. She also notes that his influence has inspired her to dive deeper into the Indian rap scene.

“Arpan is such a phenomenal artist,” Palak gushes. “He brings out the best in everyone around him. Not because he's trying to or is teaching you anything, but just because his energy is so high. ’Lukkhe’ is his first time acting, and some of my most favourite scenes in the show are with him. I'm very protective of our chemistry and what that did for our characters. He is so giving, both as a person and as an actor. He really matched my energy in every sense. We are both protective of the dynamic that our characters share. It was just so special."

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Given the easy camaraderie they share, she finds it amusing to speak about him seriously, "It's funny speaking about him in a serious manner, because our relationship is rooted in banter! And that just makes it so much more fun. It shows in our characters as well.”

While not familiar with rap culture in general and beefs in particular, Palak admits to cultivating an interest in the Indian rap scene after working with the rapper, “This was my first time experiencing rap. I've always liked Kendrick Lamar and Jay-Z, but I've never really leaned into Indian rap until ‘Lukkhe’ happened. However, I have always been a fan of King's music and he is really experienced in the Indian rap scene. If you listen to any of his songs, you will find that his stories have much depth. He really inspired me to listen to Indian artists a lot more.  I'm ashamed to admit, maybe I wasn't listening to it as much, in the past." 

Palak further adds that her interest in music grew overall after acting with King, "I’m not very musically inclined, which is funny, because I'm playing a musician in the show. King has really inspired me in every sense. His way with lyrics is so beautiful. He adds so much soul to everything he does and I think it's set a great precedent for all Indian artists.”

Palak also speaks about rapper Hanumankind (real name: Sooraj Cherukat) and how the Indian rap scene is strongly rooted in culture. “Not to be very mainstream, but I think everybody is a fan of Hanumankind, right? I think he is such a big deal. Usually, it’s always our culture that's taken and reshaped elsewhere. But, the way Indians have owned rap… There's no copying or stealing. It's so original and earthy. The stories that we have to tell are so rooted,  it's exciting.”