Actor Udit Arora recently played Kunal Mehta in the romantic comedy The Royals. He instantly connected with the script, finding it gripping and full of rich, layered characters. While shooting for Tanaav, Udit eagerly read the script during breaks and was excited to join the project. After a quick audition process, he landed the role, feeling it was meant to be. In an exclusive chat with The Free Press Journal, Udit shared that to prepare, he watched Shark Tank to understand his character’s entrepreneurial mindset, since Kunal is a CFO and entrepreneur. This helped him portray the role authentically. Udit also recalls a warm meeting with veteran actress Zeenat Aman, who impressed him with her grace and kindness. He is thrilled to work again with director Rahul Dholakia on a Netflix film about India’s first elections. Excerpts:
Q. What was your first reaction when you read the script of The Royals?
A. I totally fell in love with the script the moment I read it. I was shooting for Tanaav at the time, and in every break, I’d rush to my vanity van just to keep reading. It had that gripping quality—you want to know what happens next to every character. The world of The Royals felt rich, layered, and full of possibilities. I was instantly drawn in and excited to dive into it.
Q. How did you get your part in The Royals?
A. I had previously worked with Priyanka in 2016 and reconnected with her after Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo. This project came right after that. I auditioned for the part. Fun fact: the audition scene was actually the post-ball fight between Kunal and Bhoomi. The process happened very fast. I was finalized a day after the audition, and it all came together within a few days. It really felt destined.
A still from The Royals |
Q. How did Shark Tank help in getting into the character?
A. I hadn’t really watched Shark Tank before, but once I got the script and realized Kunal was a CFO and entrepreneur, I dove into it. I don't come from a business background, nor have I studied commerce, so watching Shark Tank helped me understand how entrepreneurs think, pitch, build from scratch, and passionately pursue their ideas. It gave me great insight into the business mindset, which was crucial for shaping Kunal.
Q. Any memorable conversations with Zeenat Aman?
A. Unfortunately, I didn’t have solo scenes with her, but I did get to meet her in the hotel lobby one day. She was heading out for her shoot and I was going for lunch. We had a brief but warm chat about how we hadn’t yet crossed paths on set despite both being there for a while. She was so graceful, warm, and dignified. Truly a legend, and I was in awe of her aura and kindness.
Q. What can you tell us about the Rahul Dholakia film?
A. I’m really thrilled to be working with Rahul sir again, this time in a Netflix film that also stars Saif Ali Khan. It’s based on India’s first elections and has a massive, ambitious canvas. I’m playing an important part, and while I can’t reveal more right now, I genuinely can’t wait for people to watch it when it’s out.
Q. From Eco Honours to acting, how did that happen?
A. I took up Economics Honours after deciding not to pursue engineering. It felt like a good, solid subject to study. But while studying it, I realized it wasn’t my calling. During college in Delhi, I started doing a lot of street and stage theatre. That’s when I truly fell in love with acting, with the process, with the literature. That transition happened organically. I knew I couldn’t continue with economics, but I absolutely had to try acting.
Q. Anything you’d like to talk about which you haven’t been asked before?
A. Honestly, nothing comes to mind at the moment. But I’m always grateful for thoughtful questions like these that make me reflect on the journey so far.
