As Munjya continues to dominate the box office, the spotlight has firmly fallen on its rising lead, Abhay Verma. The Dinesh Vijan-produced horror comedy has not only proven to be a commercial success, raking in over Rs 60 crores, but it has also served as a launchpad for Verma, who is now viewed as one of Bollywood’s promising newcomers. Despite this newfound fame and a promising future in the industry, Abhay Verma remains steadfast in his admiration for legendary actor Shah Rukh Khan. More than just an idol, Khan represents a beacon of personal and professional ideals that Verma aspires to embody.
In an exclusive interview with mid-day, Verma spoke candidly about his deep-seated respect for Khan. “I know there can’t be any other Shah Rukh Khan,” he began earnestly. “But I would really like to not only become a successful actor as he is but also as gentle a human being as him. That’s the journey I would like to forge for myself, keeping Shah sir in my mind.” This statement underscores the dual aspirations Verma harbors—not just to achieve cinematic accolades but also to grow as an individual of notable kindness and humility.
Shah Rukh Khan, often referred to as the “King of Bollywood,” has had an illustrious career spanning decades. His journey, which saw humble beginnings, is an oft-cited tale of perseverance and talent in the film industry. Yet, it is Khan’s off-screen persona that has equally captivated Verma. “He is a terrific actor and a superstar. But the journey of Shah Rukh Khan, the person, really inspires me,” Verma said. “Box office success is a professional aspect of your life but what matters to me the most is what kind of a person you are. You can win as many hearts you want with your goodness.”
Set against the backdrop of Khan’s remarkable legacy, Verma admits that he idolizes Khan’s essence beyond just his filmography. “He has been my idol for the longest. I have done everything in my love for him except building a temple,” he added with a chuckle, revealing the depth of his admiration.
. Such a statement rings profoundly in an industry where personal conduct and public personas often intertwine, influencing not just immediate audience reactions but long-term legacies as well.
Munjya, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, plays a pivotal role in Vijan’s expanding horror comedy universe, which includes celebrated films like Stree and Bhediya. Both these films have left an indelible mark on the genre and have set high expectations for future installments. The movie has featured acclaimed performances by co-stars Sharvari Wagh and Mona Singh and also included a notable post-credit scene with Varun Dhawan and Abhishek Banerjee from Bhediya, hinting at an exciting crossover. The commercial success of Munjya, already having amassed over Rs 60 crores, indicates the robust health of this genre and universe.
Verma’s rising stardom, coupled with his grounded personality, offers a fresh dynamic to Bollywood’s burgeoning talent pool. With Munjya establishing itself as a box office juggernaut, Verma’s contemplations about his future path and the influence of actors like Khan carry significant weight. His reflections prompt a broader question about the qualities that make an actor truly great in the eyes of both peers and the public—qualities that transcend mere technical performance and delve into character and integrity.
Khan’s influence on Verma is multi-faceted. On one hand, it affirms the undeniable impact that seasoned stars have on emerging talent. On the other hand, it highlights the essence of mentorship, even if indirect, in shaping the next generation of actors and public figures. “He is someone who I have looked up to. Through his life, he’s taught me that winning hearts with your goodness is paramount,” Verma pointed out, underscoring the invaluable lessons he draws from Khan’s journey.
Stree 2, another anticipated entry in the horror-comedy universe, is set for an Independent Day release. This upcoming release further amplifies the excitement around the genre and the narrative coherence within this cinematic universe. This cinematic strategy, besides entertaining audiences, offers actors like Verma substantial avenues for showcasing their versatility and drawing from the rich legacy of their predecessors.
As Abhay Verma carves his niche in the film industry, his reverence for Shah Rukh Khan’s off-screen persona speaks volumes about the kind of legacy he wishes to create. It may be too early to predict the full arc of his career, but with a grounded mindset and clear inspirations, he certainly seems poised for a journey worth watching.
