Agastya Nanda: My first film didn’t really work; I didn’t get the best reviews

Agastya Nanda is gearing up for his next film, Ikkis, with renewed determination and focus. After his debut The Archies didn’t receive the response he had hoped for, the young actor is now looking ahead, ready to prove himself with a project that he says has shaped him both personally and professionally. Thanking producer Dinesh Vijan and director Sriram Raghavan for believing in him and backing him at a crucial moment in his journey, Agastya says, "I was 21 when I started this film and now I am 25. I didn’t know I would meet such great people to collaborate with. I would call this project my foundation and schooling. I am thankful Dinu Sir and Sriram Sir showed faith in a young boy, which is not very common. And I am extremely grateful that he supported me at a time when my first film didn’t really work. I didn’t really get the best reviews. This is my last chance to prove myself, and I have treated it like that. This film for me is not just a film, it is very personal.”

Adding to the significance of Ikkis, Agastya also got the rare opportunity to share screen space with late Dharmendra in the war film, an experience he describes as deeply special and unforgettable. Though their time together on set was limited, the impact Dharmendra had on him was profound, both as a co-actor and as a person he had long admired.





He says, "Because the story is such, we’re not really physically together. There are a lot of interconnected moments. We had a day’s work together. There is one particular scene in the film which we have. I was nervous. He is so warm and welcoming. He talks to you like a friend—relaxed, so youthful and energetic. Unfortunately, he wouldn't be able to see the performance he has given. He is so endearing. My favourite part of the film is Dharam ji.”

Sharing a memory, Agastya, who was present at the intimate trailer unveiling of the film yesterday, added, "When I signed the film, it was his birthday. The best way to introduce me to him was to go take his blessings. So it was me, Sriram sir, Dinu sir who went to meet him. I was nervous. I didn’t know what to say to him. It was the first time I met him. He gave me his blessings. Then I didn’t get to shoot with him. He was with Jaideep sir. That one day, I really treasured. It is going to be my favourite memory of all time. My granddad (Amitabh Bachchan) worked with him for so many years. He had great things to say and such fun stories to share. One such story being... Prateeksha, his earlier home where he used to stay, is where I stay now. One day, a fan entered. His study was on the top floor. Granddad was going down to the kitchen. This random person had entered and was walking up to his study. So my granddad was like, ‘Who are you? Why are you here? What are you doing in my house?’ He was like, ‘I am here to meet Dharam ji,’ and he was like, ‘He is not here, he is three-four houses down. You have come to the wrong house.’" His story had the people in splits.