Bollywood’s rising star, Skand Thakur, has been making waves ever since his powerful portrayal of NIA officer Wasim Abbasi in the hit film Article 370. As he steps into the spotlight once again, this time as the lead in the much-anticipated show Khalbali Records, Skand is ready to showcase his range and depth as an actor. In an exclusive interview with Expresso Magazine, the actor shared insights about his journey, revealing that he secured the lead role in Khalbali Records even before his breakout performance in Article 370. Now, with a growing fanbase recognizing him on the streets, Skand credits his growth to the lessons he learned from veteran actor Ram Kapoor, who plays his on-screen father in the series. As Khalbali Records gears up for its premiere on Jio Cinema on September 13, Skand’s admiration for Ram Kapoor and his excitement for the future are undeniable.
The trailer has been receiving so much love! What was your reaction when you found out about your role?
Skand Thakur: I was really happy, actually. I was very excited to be a part of this show. We had a couple of rounds of auditions with Devanshu sir and I really wanted to be involved. It was a big opportunity for me, especially with so many big names attached to the project. I was extremely happy and determined to stay as focused as possible to deliver my best performance.
Your character has so many layers. What special thing attracted you to this role?
Skand Thakur: I feel it was the level of honesty and hard work that Devanshu sir explained Raghav possesses. It’s something I was really looking forward to incorporating into my performance. Despite all the challenges, how Raghav emerges and works even harder—that’s what I wanted to embody. So, that’s what drew me in.
What was the most difficult scene for you to perform?
Skand Thakur: I think it was the scene where one of my closest friends, an artist, is about to perform on stage. There’s this whole conversation we had before he walks up, and it was emotionally triggering. Once you see the show, you’ll understand that part is quite intense. That sequence stretched over three days of shooting, so emotionally, it was very heavy. We all knew where the story was headed, and with a big setup, a lot of people, and long hours of shooting, it became one of the toughest or most challenging days. But we had a lot of fun despite that.
What was your best memory from shooting Khalbali Records?
Skand Thakur: The best memory would be spending time with all the artists and rappers who are part of the show. They’re really big in what they do—famous, talented and genuinely nice people. I feel fortunate to have spent so much time with them and to see firsthand what they do. I even got to hear their songs before they were released, which is something I’ll always cherish about Khalbali Records.
How was your experience working with Ram Kapoor?
Skand Thakur: It was really good. Ram Kapoor sir has been in the industry for so long, and he’s incredibly experienced. He’s also a very kind person who makes his co-actors feel comfortable. He’s intelligent, always remembers his lines and there’s just so much to learn from him. Working with him is definitely one of the most memorable things I’ll take away from this show.
What do you think about the OTT space as an actor?
Skand Thakur: At the end of the day, we’re just acting. Our level of honesty and dedication doesn’t change based on whether it’s OTT or films. But I’m always very grateful for the platforms and the boom in OTT, because that’s how I got a lot of opportunities and good roles. I don’t think actors differentiate when it comes to putting in hard work—whether it’s OTT or films, the effort remains the same. But it’s a great time for everyone, with more opportunities, better scripts, and stronger roles. Let’s hope that keeps going.
What kind of transformation did the journey leave on you after the show? Have you noticed any specific changes in your personality?
Skand Thakur: Honestly, I don’t feel a huge change in myself, but I think I’ve become a bit more receptive when it comes to people bringing their problems to me. Raghav, in the show, is always trying to solve issues for his loved ones, and I feel I’ve become more like that. I listen more, and I really want to help, especially my close ones. I think I already had that in me, but now I see it in a much clearer way.
Your entire journey has been performance-driven. Is there anything specific you wish for in your future career?
Skand Thakur: Really, there’s nothing too specific. I always want to stay open to all kinds of roles—good, bad, grey—I want to explore as many different characters as possible. My goal is to do a good job and, hopefully, inspire other actors or newcomers to aim for better. I haven’t thought about any particular role I want, but I just want to do good work, a lot of it, and that’s my main aim.
After Khalbali Records, what are your future projects?
Skand Thakur: Right now, all my concentration is on Khalbali Records. There’s nothing lined up immediately after, but my focus and energy are fully on this show. We’ve put so much heart, soul and time into it, so we’re just working on making sure it turns out well. Let’s hope it works out for all of us.
What are the three things viewers should watch Khalbali Records for?
Skand Thakur: You should watch Khalbali Records because it’s the biggest musical drama you’ll see. First, it features some of the biggest names in our music industry, both on and off screen. Second, the show includes over 20 original songs, written and composed by top talents. Finally, we’ve all worked very hard on our performances, so you should watch it for that as well. It’s a complete package of great music and dedicated work.
Ayan Mukherjee
