I don’t limit myself to any medium: Aarya Babbar

From being a film actor, stand-up comedian to now playing a mean antagonist on TV show Jagriti-Ek Nayi Subah, Aarya Babbar is embracing his professional evolution with a laugh. “Honestly, the role in Jagriti came to me when I was fully immersed in stand-up and open mics and my show was doing well,” says Aarya, adding, “When the opportunity for this TV role came, it felt like a surprise blessing. It’s also a bit ironic because people see me on screen and think, "He’s got the face of a villain," but in real life, I’m easygoing and love to laugh.”

A strong upside for him in this role was the layered characterization. “It's a juicy role for any actor, especially considering how rare strong, multi-layered roles are written for male actors in Indian television. The role of the antagonist felt like it was made for me, and I was looking forward to playing one for a while,” he says.

Joining the reverse flow of actors from films to TV, Aarya says the distinction of medium doesn’t exist in his mind. He says, “I know TV and regional cinema are sometimes looked down upon, but I don't buy into that. I worked in Punjabi cinema when it was still in its experimental phase. I love exploring different genres and taking risks. The idea is never about whether it's TV, digital, or regional cinema; it's about how creatively stimulating the role feels to you. I try to never limit myself.”

Having done a bouquet of characters across mediums, Aarya says he too struggled with a banal phase. He says, “There have been a few films I did, despite their success, where I didn’t connect with the role creatively, but they were financially rewarding. In 2020, I bought a house, and to be honest, I did these films just for the money. But I always knew that this wasn’t the long-term. Those experiences taught me to stay true to myself and only do what I genuinely enjoy.”

With OTT platforms, Hindi films, and stand-up, Aarya seems to be juggling a lot. “It’s all about balance. We often feel like we don’t have time, but somehow, everything manages to fall into place. I’m working on a new stand-up routine, finishing up a Hindi film, and preparing for a new Punjabi film. I make sure to give each project the attention it deserves while keeping my personal space and creativity intact. It’s about finding a rhythm,” he adds.

Check out the Valentine Week List 2025, along with the Valentine’s Week schedule and meaning.