Karan Deol might be full of energy on the sets, but he says he is methodical while approaching a scene

Mona

To be an actor was always the plan for this Deol scion – Karan. As much as he got inspired by his family – grandfather Dharmendra, father Sunny, uncle Bobby and other members of the clan, it was the global hit Star Wars that furthered his interest in films.

A huge fan of this American franchise, the George Lucas’ wonder reaffirmed his faith in the power of cinema and the alternate world.

“So many times I have gone alone to watch a film. I can’t wait to enter that world for two hours, to be taken on a thrilling ride. Whether my friends are sitting next to me or not, matters the least,” says Karan, as his film Velle is scheduled to have world television premiere.

“As a kid you wish for so many things. It’s only when you gain maturity, you truly realise what you want to do. It was Star Wars that inspired me to be a part of the creative process,” says Karan.

He labels the George Lucas film to be a magical experience. “It was as if I could connect to the characters – Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader. Even after the film finished I wanted more – to see their journey, such was the power it held on me,” shares Karan, who watched the film at least 10 times.

Acting gave that platform to Karan for which he is immensely happy. “The very journey to get into the character and working with young co-actors and very talented director was a great process.”

He loves that as an actor he is able to be and do so much that might not be possible in one life. Always prepared well in time, having read the script a few times, the character’s journey, he keeps lines handy right before the shot.

“Right before the camera starts rolling, I am full of energy and too restless to sit in a confined space like a van,” he laughs. Many a time assistants come to ask if he’s all right. “I tell them this is my process. I need to be connected with the entire team as each one is equally important. Our unit is one family and we need to move together,” says the actor who debuted with Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas in 2019.

What does it mean to be a Deol? “Well, I didn’t realise it till I stepped in the industry. The comparisons with my grandfather, father, chacha are but obvious as people have grown on their cinema. But give me some 10 years, and if by then I am able to achieve even a fraction of their legendary accomplishment, I would feel fortunate. Till then I would rather be just Karan!”

With so many actors in the family, what are dinner conversations like? “We do talk about films, shows, what we are watching and recommend shows and films. Our home is one great encyclopaedia of acting — each one of them uniquely talented. But it’s not just the films but also life and how to approach it that’s a significant part of conversations.” With a huge appetite for films, Karan watches all sorts of things and wants to explore all kinds of genres. “For me a gripping story is a must!”

How well can he converse in Punjabi? “I understand it. Though I am born and brought up in Mumbai, I have gained my Punjabi influence from my dada, dadi and others in the family.” And, he admits being a foodie aka a true Punjabi! Next on the anvil for Karan is Apne 2.

Till then, catch the world television premiere of Velle on &pictures on June 18, 10 pm