In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Krish Rao, who played the role of Pragat Singh in Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, shared his experience of working alongside Akshay Kumar, his time on set, and praised the director’s efforts in shaping his character. Krish is also known for his performances in Guns & Gulaabs, Made in Heaven, and several other projects. Krish played one of the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, who gets injured in the incident.
EXCLUSIVE: Kesari Chapter 2 actor Krish Rao on working with Akshay Kumar, “He watched every scene and praised my performance the next day”
Kesari Chapter 2 is your first big-budget Hindi film. What was your first day on set like?
Kesari Chapter 2 is not just my first big-budget Hindi film—it’s my first film ever. On the first day, I was a mix of everything—nervousness, happiness, full of excitement. Just stepping onto that set felt like a dream turning real. The scale, the energy, the people—it was overwhelming in the best way.
How did it feel stepping onto a major film set for the first time?
It was surreal. Everything was larger than life, but at the same time, it felt like I belonged there. It was a moment I’ll never forget.
How does it feel seeing yourself on the big screen for the first time?
It’s a feeling I honestly can’t describe in words. It wasn’t just a moment, it was an emotion. Something I’ll carry with me forever.
What drew you to this script? What made you say yes to Kesari Chapter 2?
This was a character no one could say no to. I instantly connected with him, the bravery, the determination, the passion. I felt that through him, I could inspire people and make a real impact.
Your character, Pargat Singh, carries a lot of emotional weight. How did you mentally and emotionally prepare to step into his shoes?
To truly feel what Pargat was going through, I was kept away from my mom throughout the shoot, it helped me connect deeply with his emotions. My director played a huge role too, he shared lots of music that really brought me into the character’s world. I also watched the beautiful films like Rang De Basanti and Gandhi to understand the intensity of the Jallianwala Bagh sequence and its impact.
Were there any real-life references or inspirations you used to get into the mindset of your character?
There weren’t any specific real-life references, but the character of Pargat came to life in my mind through the vision of my director and the strength of the script. The way each scene was written and shot helped me naturally step into his world and mindset. It felt like he was built within me, piece by piece, as we brought the story to life.
Was there any particular scene that was emotionally or physically challenging for you?
Honestly, every scene with my character was both emotionally and physically challenging. But we went in fully prepared, determined not to hold back and to give everything our best.
What kind of training or transformation did you go through for this role?
We did intense action rehearsals for the Jallianwala Bagh sequence at Mehboob Studios. Proper trainers and action masters were brought in to make sure everything looked and felt real.
How was your experience of working with Akshay Kumar? Any memorable moments or advice he gave you?
Before the shoot, I’d always heard how fun, humble, and down-to-earth Akshay sir is, and experiencing that firsthand was amazing. As an actor, it was an honor to share the same set. What really stayed with me was how he watched every scene shot each day, and the next day, he’d come up to me and praise my performance.
Did you get a chance to share any conversations with R. Madhavan or Ananya Panday?
No, unfortunately we didn’t have any scenes together or moments where our characters crossed paths. But I would’ve absolutely loved to meet and work with R. Madhavan sir and Ananya Panday ma’am. Hopefully someday in the future!
How did the director Karan Singh Tyagi help you shape your performance?
The director was my biggest support throughout the shoot. He was there for me every step of the way, always helping and motivating me through each scene. After every shot, he’d come up to me, give me a hug, and reassure me. That kind of support was invaluable, and it kept me going through the entire journey.
I’ve been to Dehradun a few times before, especially during the shoot of Guns & Gulaabs, so I got to enjoy the city a bit more then. The people there are incredibly friendly and welcoming. During the Kesari 2 shoot, we didn’t have much time to explore, but I’ve always loved the vibe of Dehradun. As for Delhi, we were only there for a few hours before heading back to Mumbai.
Can you walk us through a typical day on set during the shoot?
A typical day on set was pretty routine. We’d wake up early, head to the locations, and start the day. The toughest part every morning was getting into the look of Pargat—putting on the wig and pagdi was always a bit of a hassle. But once that was done, we’d shoot a scene or two and then head back.
How has Kesari Chapter 2 changed you, not just as an actor, but as a person?
Playing Pargat made me truly understand the feeling of patriotism and the value of freedom. It filled me with pride, and also gave me a new sense of motivation, determination, and passion that I’ll carry forward in everything I do. I was amazed to see how a 13-year-old boy stood so strong and brave, that even the British administration feared him.
Looking ahead, what kinds of roles or stories are you excited to explore next?
Acting is my passion, and for me, it’s never about picking or rejecting scripts. If a character touches my heart and I feel connected to it, I’ll give it everything I have. I’m excited to explore any role that moves me emotionally and lets me grow as an artist.
More Pages: Kesari Chapter 2 Box Office Collection , Kesari Chapter 2 Movie Review
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