'We are overly attached to labels like ‘hero’ and ‘villain’: Jaideep Ahlawat SLAMS Bollywood’s obsession with the terms after playing antagonist Rukma in 'The Family Man 3'

As morally complex storytelling takes centerstage, actor Jaideep Ahlawat believes it is time for the industry to reassess how it defines its characters. With films like ‘Animal’ and the recently released ‘Dhurandhar’ placing flawed, dark personalities at the heart of their narratives, the traditional good-versus-evil framework appears increasingly outdated. However, Jaideep argues that the real concern lies in how such characters are still boxed into rigid categories. From playing Rukma in 'The Family Man 3' to 'Jewel Thief', Jaideep Ahlawat opened up about these labels in a recent interview.

Jaideep Ahlawat opens up on screen labels

Speaking to Hindustan Times, the actor, who recently played a commanding antagonist in ‘The Family Man 3’, feels Bollywood needs to remove one particular term from its creative vocabulary altogether. In an interview with Hindustan Times, he stated, “There is one word we should completely eliminate from the dictionary of Indian cinema, and that is ‘villain’.”




Ahlawat further explained that this obsession is largely unique to India. “We are overly attached to labels like ‘hero’ and ‘villain’. This kind of classification doesn’t exist in the same way elsewhere. The moment you use these terms, you end up reducing the depth of a beautifully written character,” Jaideep added.

Why morally grey characters deserve equal respect?

According to Ahlawat, audiences today are more open than ever to layered storytelling, where characters operate in shades of grey rather than moral extremes. Instead of branding such roles as ‘negative’, he believes they should be acknowledged as essential forces driving the narrative forward, deserving the same respect as the protagonist.

Jaideep Ahlawat on embracing so-called negative roles

Jaideep’s own filmography reflects this philosophy. After leading the critically acclaimed series ‘Paatal Lok’, he went on to take up a significant antagonist role in ‘The Family Man 3’, sharing screen space with Manoj Bajpayee. When asked if he had any reservations about stepping into a negative role, the actor was clear in his response.

“I never thought along those lines,” he said. “For me, it was an opportunity to attempt something entirely different, work alongside one of our finest actors, collaborate with a brilliant team, and be part of the legacy of ‘The Family Man’.”

Reiterating his approach to choosing roles, Jaideep emphasised that insecurity has no place in an actor’s decision-making process. “Questioning why I should do a negative role when I already have my own show is pointless. Acting is about pushing yourself and taking on new challenges,” he remarked.

About ‘The Family Man 3’

Created by Raj and DK, ‘The Family Man 3’ premiered last month and quickly received positive feedback from both critics and viewers. While Manoj Bajpayee, Sharib Hashmi and Priyamani returned to reprise their roles, Jaideep Ahlawat and Nimrat Kaur joined the series as prominent new additions.

Beyond the series, Jaideep also made headlines this year for portraying the antagonist in ‘Jewel Thief’ opposite Saif Ali Khan, further strengthening his case that compelling characters should not be confined by outdated labels.

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