Aryan Pushkar on his Ikkis debut: It felt like shaking hands with my five-year-old self

Actor Aryan Pushkar, who recently made his big-screen debut with Sriram Raghavan’s war drama Ikkis, says the experience of watching himself on screen for the first time was deeply emotional. The film, which released on January 1 and features Agastya Nanda in the central role, marked a long-awaited milestone for the actor. Aryan essays the role of Second Lieutenant Avtar Ahlawat in the film.Reflecting on that moment, Aryan says, “It felt like shaking hands with my five-year-old self. That child who used to watch films and music and quietly hope that one day he would belong to that world.” While the release fulfilled a long-held dream, the reality, he admits, was quieter than he had imagined. “I always thought there would be loud celebrations, but it was far more grounding. Once I absorbed what had happened, my instinct was to look ahead. This is just the beginning,” he says.The actor believes that a first film brings clarity rather than comfort. “Your debut does not give you answers, it gives you perspective. You realise how much more there is to learn and how easily this opportunity can be taken away if you stop working on yourself,” he shares.Aryan is also candid about what aspiring actors often overlook. “Working on your craft is non-negotiable, but talent alone is not enough. If people do not know you exist, the work will not reach you,” he says. He adds, “Being visible, networking, and showing up consistently are just as important as rehearsing your scenes.”He believes awareness plays a key role in sustaining a career. “Craft can always be sharpened, but understanding people and spaces takes time. As actors, we need to grow both skill and sense,” he says.With Ikkis now behind him, Aryan remains focused on the journey ahead. “I feel grateful, but also alert. This moment matters, but so does what I do next,” he says.