Actor Abhay Verma, who is gearing up for his upcoming films King and Mehbooba, spoke about his journey as an actor, his desire to explore diverse characters and his experience of working with Shah Rukh Khan. Speaking at the Khidkiyan Theatre Festival, the actor shared how he wants to challenge audience expectations with every new role.
Abhay, who has often been associated with a ‘chocolate boy’ image, said he finds it rewarding when viewers notice a significant difference between his performances. For him, the ability to transform into a character and appear different from his previous roles is an important part of his growth as an actor.
“My objective is actually fulfilled when people tell me that I looked a bit unrecognisable or very different from my previous character,” Verma said. “For me, this is a small win, and I just want whatever characters you see next year—in King and the other film Mehbooba—hopefully, they are very different, and I always get this kind of response.”
The actor also expressed his excitement about being part of King, which stars Shah Rukh Khan. Describing the experience as a significant moment in his career, Abhay said working alongside performers he has admired since childhood holds special meaning for him.
“It’s a blessing for me. It’s a huge deal,” he expressed. “It feels great to be a part of a film where all the legends are there, watching whom I learned acting. Getting to do a scene with Shah Rukh sir means… that is the page I wrote first in my diary. There are many, many days when I keep reading that page.”
During the interaction, Abhay was asked about speculation surrounding the possible release of a special King teaser on Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday. While he did not confirm any such plans, he welcomed the idea.
“Really? I mean it should, if that’s happening, then it’s fantastic,” he said.
Abhay also shared a warm birthday message for Shah Rukh, acknowledging how the superstar’s on-screen portrayals have influenced generations of viewers, particularly through stories centred on love and human relationships.
“Shah Rukh sir, I wish you a really happy birthday. You have always taught all of us how to love, how to nurture relationships, and the importance of relationships through your characters. So, you are an idol to all of us.”
Sharing an experience from the shooting of King, Abhay recalled witnessing Shah Rukh’s commitment to his work firsthand. He revealed that despite having only a brief scene to shoot towards the end of the day, the superstar stayed on set for the entire 16-hour schedule.
“It was a 16-hour shoot, and he was on set for all 16 hours, and at the very end, he had one small shot. Waiting those 16 hours even after 30 years [in the industry], I think that is what makes Shah Rukh sir, Shah Rukh sir.”
With King and Mehbooba in his upcoming lineup, Abhay is keen to continue exploring characters that allow him to step outside familiar territory and establish himself as a versatile performer.
