As the midyear sun casts its warm glow upon us, we find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of moments, events, and experiences that shape our lives. For actor extraordinaire Purab Kohli, these last six months have been a whirlwind, an exhilarating rollercoaster of creativity and exploration that has left him both exhilarated and eager for more. As we settle in for a candid chat with the versatile actor, we delve into his recent adventures, cinematic escapades, wanderlust, and thoughts on life, work, and style.
"It's gone by really fast. It's been quite a busy first half of the year," Kohli begins with a boyish grin, his eyes sparkling with the energy that has propelled him through a bustling six months. "I've been in three films back to back," he continues, recounting his dynamic journey since March.
The actor's journey unfolded like a tapestry, with each thread representing a different cinematic endeavour. "Putul," he mentions a film that swept him into its narrative embrace throughout March and April. Followed by "Let There Be Love," a project that captivated him throughout May and June. And then there was "Ahutti," a venture that spanned from June to July, inviting him into another realm of storytelling.
And then, the much-needed interlude - a holiday that rejuvenated his spirit and encapsulated the essence of family. "That brings us to seven months of the year, more than half the year. And raring to go for the next five months, looking forward to the next five months," Kohli asserts, his enthusiasm palpable.
Speaking of cinematic ventures, Kohli's eyes light up as he delves into the intriguing world of "Blind." "It was a film released on Jio Cinema last month," he begins, recounting his role in the narrative alongside Sonam Kapoor. The film's chilling premise casts him as an evil, serial-killing driver, a role that contrasts starkly with his pleasant demeanour.
The journey of filming "Blind" was marked by challenges, notably the lockdown restrictions and the winter cold of Glasgow, where the shooting took place. "A lot of the shooting of Blind was done in the dark at night," Kohli shares, his voice tinged with reminiscence of the intense experience. "When you see the film, you'll realise it was freezing conditions." But amidst the challenges, camaraderie blossomed among the small crew, creating an atmosphere of creativity and connection that kept spirits high.
As the conversation steers toward his love for travel, Kohli's eyes light up like a child's Christmas morning. "Yes, of course, I love to travel. Who doesn't love to travel?" he exclaims. But the seasoned traveller has found himself favouring road and train journeys overflights, citing the exhausting ordeal of airports. "I wish someone could come up with an easier experience of airports," he muses, echoing a sentiment shared by many.
For Kohli, travel is an avenue for self-discovery, a means to unearth uncharted facets of oneself. "I love seeing new places. I love discovering new parts about myself in these new places," he declares, an explorer at heart.
A seasoned globetrotter, Kohli eagerly unveils the top contenders on his bucket list. Having recently ticked off Norway and Scandinavia from the list, he now sets his sights on South America, with Brazil, in particular, capturing his imagination. "Brazil is the next one to check off," he shares, his eyes glittering with the anticipation of new horizons.
Peering into the future, Kohli opens up about upcoming releases and his plans for the months ahead. With a handful of releases on the horizon, he takes a step back to embrace family and recharge before diving back into cinema.
Speaking of his journey in the industry, Kohli acknowledges the ebb and flow that characterises any creative endeavour. "The industry is always welcoming to anyone who has a reasonable success rate," he reflects. "But yes, to me, it has been very welcoming. It's been very open and loving for the last 25 years."
A topic that couldn't be overlooked is Kohli's signature salt-and-pepper look, which he wears with authority and pride. "The salt-and-pepper look gives me some age," he chuckles, reflecting on the visual impact of his facial hair. He shares style advice and underscores the importance of comfort and authenticity in one's appearance. "Any style starts from knowing what makes you feel comfortable and wearing that proud," he advises, reminding us that confidence is the heart of true style.
As our conversation with Purab Kohli draws to a close, we're left with a glimpse into the life of a man who thrives on exploration, creativity, and authenticity. His journey through the cinematic landscape mirrors the path of life itself - one marked by challenges, camaraderie, and a ceaseless pursuit of new horizons. And just as he leaves his mark on the silver screen, his insights into travel, style, and self-discovery leave an indelible impression on our hearts and minds.
