Ashutosh Rana says he joined films for his love for the craft and money was never his prime focus.
The critically-acclaimed actor says his aim was to establish himself as a versatile performer.
“I don’t have any monetary pressure as my needs are limited. I am getting paid well and I lead a decent life. Every person’s needs do get fulfilled but their desires may not get fulfilled.
“My need was to play different roles and to excel as an actor. My needs have been different so there was never any frustration. It is not necessary that those who are successful are happy but those who are happy can be successful,” Ashutosh told.
The actor, who was seen in ‘Dhadak’, ‘Mulk’ and ‘Simmba’ in 2018, said he had tried his best not to repeat himself.
“I want my work to be respected. I will be heartbroken if people find me repetitive. But people have faith in me. I am one of those actors who no one can mimic because the tone of every character is different,” he said.
Ashutosh, who gave stellar performances in films like ‘Tamanna’, ‘Dushman’, ‘Sangharsh’ and ‘Raaz’, believes the kind of roles which were considered “off-beat” earlier had now become a norm.
“What was considered off-beat earlier has become the in thing today. I always wanted to do different roles and I did patiently wait for it. I did not want to become stagnant with my work. I did get success and appreciation after ‘Tamanna’ and ‘Dushman’ and I was offered similar kinds of roles but I stayed away from doing it.”
Ashutosh said he felt blessed that his films had received a cult status and audience still remembered his work.
“I feel blessed that these characters touched them in some way. I have left a strong and lasting image of these roles in the hearts and minds of a director, musician, actors, industry people and audience,” he said.
His next slate of films includes ‘Sonchiriya’ and Tigmanshu Dhulia’s ‘Milan Talkies’.