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In Conversation with Armaan Khera
The Ba*ds of Bollywood Exclusive: In Conversation with Armaan Khera. In an industry built on glitz, legacy, and relentless ambition, few voices cut through the noise with the raw authenticity of Armaan Khera. Known for his magnetic screen presence and fearless performances, Armaan is redefining what it means to be a new-age Bollywood actor. In this exclusive Ba**ds of Bollywood* interview, we go beyond the spotlight diving into his creative process, the grit behind his journey, and his honest reflections on fame, identity, and the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
You have a strong foundation in music as a singer and producer. Tracks like ‘No Time’ and ‘Bombay Ka Jadoo. How did your initial passion for music evolve into a pursuit of acting in film and television?
Wow I love how you framed question one because I’ve always had a passion for music ever since I was a kid. Growing up in Queens and you know in that environment hip-hop thrives so we would listen to a lot of hip-hop during school. After school, BET was like my favorite channel to watch after school. We had to watch BET because then the next day it felt like a quiz you know everybody would just be like hey did you see that?
Did you see that music video? So it was really cool. I’ve always loved music and I always resorted to music whenever life got challenging. I remember thinking that I’m glad that music is around because I could have easily gravitated towards negative influences in my life. Eventually as I reached New Zealand, I noticed a lot of the boys I was chilling with making music. I would just visit the studio with them. Eventually I got on the mic and then I just couldn’t get off.
Music is something that has kept me patient through my acting career. There are times where you know there isn’t any acting work there was a time where I was just auditioning and not booking anything so after every audition I’d go back and write music. To this day music is definitely the most significant part of my journey.
The Ba***ds of Bollywood has a lot of buzz. Marking the directorial debut of Aryan Khan. What is your personal take on the ongoing discussion around ‘nepo-kids’ and privilege?
As you know, the discussion of NepoKids in the industry has been going on for a while. I particularly don’t see any issue with it. I feel like if you’re hardworking and know your craft, then you will be seen. You will be noticed in the industry and there’s nothing that can stop you. There’s no force that can go against what the universe has in store for you.
There are people like Aryaan that prove to us that, it doesn’t matter what your background is. If you’re hardworking, and if you have something beneficial for the world to see, something entertaining for the world to see in terms of what is expected of our industry then you will succeed. You will be praised for it.
From Taish to Masaba Masaba to Citadel and now your latest Netflix show. You have an incredibly varied portfolio. Was this diversity a conscious choice? A reflection of the roles that came your way through independent effort?
So my acting journey has unfolded as a result of me saying yes to any opportunity that came my way. I believe I’m an actor. Here to place myself in different characters’ shoes, presenting them to the audience.
I’ve never actually I don’t know, it’s very hard for me to say no to any role. Plus, I love being on set. It’s my office, it’s my work environment. So thankfully, I do have the passion that keeps me on set and that allows me to pursue my job happily.
So I haven’t shyed away from any roles. I’m always there, always ready to go. It also doesn’t matter how many days of shoot I have. I feel like that is something that does concern actors in today’s day and age, but not for me. Because even in Kalki, I came for a one-day shoot. I have about two scenes in that film, and I got so much love for it. I got so many photos and videos sent to me from theaters around the world with people that were just excited to see me.
And I think that really makes it a much more special journey. I would like for my audience to see me like 10 years from now when I’m a huge superstar. Wanting them to just catch me in Kalki randomly and be like, “Oh my god, Armaan was here for like a second!”
I love seeing Shah Rukh Khan, when he comes in for a cameo in any film. Like, for example, Luck By Chance, you know, that was a great moment, to see him. Even though he’s not the lead of the film, but he leaves his mark on that film.
Criticized for its representation standards, what changes do you feel are most necessary for the industry?
Well, yes, I have noticed that it has been criticized for its representation standards. I feel like we can make a constant effort towards ensuring that everybody gets a chance, because I personally believe that beauty lies within the beholder. There is beauty everywhere no matter how tall, fair, dark, handsome, good-looking etc.
Looking back at your first major television role in Everest. What’s the biggest misconception you had about Bollywood?
The constant hustle, rather, lies in staying connected. Because the entourage moment that I spoke of was me basically just calling Karan up because I hadn’t heard from him. I wanted to know if he had something for me and then luckily, he did. It turned out to be so, so beneficial to my career.
And I’m getting so much love and praise from all over the world, especially the audience is getting that. So that is definitely a part of staying consistent with the hustle, making sure that you’re seen.
I think Chris Rock or it was somebody in Hollywood that recently were asked, “Well, the phone must be ringing for you all the time,” and then they replied by saying, “No, I make sure that the phone is ringing for me.”
And also with the fact that attention spans in today’s day and age are very short. We’ve got to make that constant effort to ensure that our audience, the members that we’re around, consider us for more, bigger, and better roles.
Your song ‘All I see is the Light’ was featured in Taish. Do you actively try to integrate your musical work into your acting projects? Do you treat them as entirely separate creative pursuits?
Well, all I see is the light is a big thank you to the team. They heard me rapping while we were shooting Dash in London and enjoyed the way I pursued my art form and could see the passion.
They wanted to ensure that some part of that was a part of the musical aspect of the film, and I’m just very grateful to him. I do try presenting my music to the music directors. It doesn’t always get picked up which is fine, because no matter what, I’m always going to keep releasing music.
As an actor, do you believe the playing field for ‘outsiders’ and ‘insiders’ is becoming more level with the rise of social media platforms?
From the streets of Queens to the sets of Bollywood, Armaan Khera’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and pure creative fire. As The Ba**ds of Bollywood* continues to make waves, his grounded perspective and artistic drive remind us that authenticity still has a place in the spotlight. This is just the beginning for an artist who refuses to be boxed in actor, musician, and storyteller in his own right.
All images were courtesy of an incredibly talented photographer – @omkaarsonawane
