Aryan Pushkar, the fresh face who recently stepped into the cinematic world with his debut in Sriram Raghavan's war drama Ikkis, has described the profound emotional impact of seeing himself on the big screen for the first time. The film, which hit theatres on January 1 and stars Agastya Nanda in the lead role, represents a significant personal achievement for the young actor, who portrays Second Lieutenant Avtar Ahlawat.
A Dream Realised: The Quiet Reality of a Debut
For Pushkar, the moment of watching his debut was less about grand celebration and more about a deep, personal connection. He reflected that the experience felt like "shaking hands with my five-year-old self." He elaborated, picturing the child who once watched films and music videos, quietly nurturing a hope to one day be part of that magical world. While the release on January 1 marked the fulfilment of a long-held dream, the actor admits the reality was more subdued than he had anticipated.
"I always thought there would be loud celebrations, but it was far more grounding," Pushkar shared. The initial excitement quickly gave way to a forward-looking mindset. "Once I absorbed what had happened, my instinct was to look ahead. This is just the beginning," he stated, emphasising that the debut was a starting line, not a finish line.
Clarity Over Comfort: The Lessons from a First Film
According to Pushkar, a first film serves as a powerful lens for perspective rather than a source of comfort. "Your debut does not give you answers, it gives you perspective," he explained. The experience illuminated the vast landscape of learning that still lies ahead and instilled a sense of vigilance. He believes that opportunities in the film industry are precious and can be fleeting if one becomes complacent. "You realise how much more there is to learn and how easily this opportunity can be taken away if you stop working on yourself," he noted.
The actor also offered candid advice for aspiring performers, highlighting an aspect often overlooked. While honing one's craft is fundamental, Pushkar stressed that talent alone is not enough in today's industry. "If people do not know you exist, the work will not reach you," he said. He pointed out that strategic visibility, consistent networking, and simply showing up are professional disciplines as critical as rehearsing scenes.
The Dual Growth: Skill and Sense
Pushkar believes sustainable success hinges on a dual development track. "Craft can always be sharpened, but understanding people and spaces takes time. As actors, we need to grow both skill and sense," he remarked. This awareness of the industry's ecosystem, he suggests, is key to building and maintaining a lasting career.
With Ikkis now released, Aryan Pushkar is not resting on his laurels. His focus is firmly on the future. "I feel grateful, but also alert. This moment matters, but so does what I do next," he concluded, signalling his readiness for the next chapters in his acting journey. His debut story is not just one of achievement, but a roadmap of introspection and pragmatic ambition for newcomers in Bollywood.
