Actor Vivaan Shah, son of veteran thespians Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah opened up about the challenges he has faced in his film career due to his appearance, describing how his youthful looks have often limited the kinds of roles offered to him. Shah’s candid remarks come amid the release of his latest film, Ikkis, in which he is seen portraying an Indian Army officer – a departure from the types of characters he has traditionally been cast in.
Breaking the Mold: From Boyish Roles to a Military Character
Speaking to ANI, Vivaan Shah said Ikkis has been one of the most important turning points in his career. “Ikkis is a very important film of my life,” he said, adding that the experience was both exciting and challenging because it required him to shed the “boyish” image that has long followed him.
“Because of my appearance, I don’t often get roles like an army officer or a police inspector,” Shah explained. “I look quite young and don’t naturally fit the image of a tough guy. So for this film, I had to undergo a transformation, and through that process, I learned a lot.”
For years, the actor has been typecast in more “relatable” or softer character portrayals, rarely being considered for authoritative roles because of his youthful features. Industry reports note that Shah himself acknowledged this constraint, saying his look has sometimes been limiting, but he understands why casting directors hesitate with certain roles.
The Journey to Ikkis: A Challenging Preparation
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis is a war biopic based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, the country’s highest military decoration. Released theatrically on January 1, 2026, the film has drawn attention for its emotional narrative and performances.
In Ikkis, Shah plays Captain Vijendra Malhotra, a tank commander and senior officer to Arun Khetarpal in the 17th Poona Horse Regiment. The role demanded a significant shift in both physicality and demeanor from his earlier screen personas. According to media sources, Shah even had to consciously work on appearing more mature and authoritative for the part, intensifying his dedication to the performance.
Expressing gratitude for the response the film has received so far, Shah said he is “so happy to know that Ikkis has touched so many hearts,” highlighting the audience connection to both the story and its characters.
A Film Ensemble and Box Office Response
Ikkis features a strong ensemble cast, including Agastya Nanda in the lead role, with co-stars such as Jaideep Ahlawat, Suhasini Mulay, Sikander Kher, and Rahul Dev. The project also marks the final on-screen appearance of Bollywood legend Dharmendra, who portrays the father of Arun Khetarpal, adding a poignant historic layer to the production.
Though the film opened to largely positive reviews and audience appreciation, early box office numbers reportedly show a moderate performance. In its opening week, Ikkis earned approximately ₹25 crore net, sparking discussions in trade circles about its commercial impact relative to the critical acclaim it has received.
Industry Perception and Personal Growth
Shah’s reflections touch on a broader conversation within Bollywood regarding typecasting and the struggle actors face when their physical image doesn’t align with conventional “hero” archetypes. While performers with a more traditionally leading-man look often find a wider range of roles available to them, actors like Shah advocate that compelling performances should be prioritized over appearance.
By embracing a role outside his comfort zone and actively transforming his performance style, Vivaan Shah hopes Ikkis will help shift perceptions and open doors to more diverse and challenging parts in the future. His journey serves as an example of persistence and adaptability in an industry still navigating evolving standards of casting and representation.
By – Sonali