EXCLUSIVE: Amit Sial: "Riteish Deshmukh told me he is tired of doing comedy"

It has just been a week but Raid 2 has already managed to be one of the top-grossing films of 2025. In several ways, the film is still earning lesser than one would have anticipated considering it is a sequel to an already successful and popular film. But in the current scenario, the film has indeed done well and continues to seemingly have long legs at the box office. Almost having grossed 100 crores, the film might have a longer innings once the situation surrounding the Indo-Pak conflict eases out.

But amidst all this, if there is one actor, who has managed to mark even more than Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh, it is Amit Sial. The actor, who reprised his role of Lallan Sudheer in the sequel manages to garner the maximum amount of whistles and appreciation for his role.

In an exclusive conversation with India Forums, Sial went on to talk about an array of things that ranged from him having completed almost two decades in the industry, the assumption of overpowering Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh, getting typecast for roles and much more.

Q: How important do you think it is to adapt with changing times? You're one of the few actors who has done that successfully, apart from a selected few. When you look back, does it feel like a journey where everything was meant to be, or are there moments of regret—where you feel something could have been better?

A: Yes, I often feel that. There are moments when I think, I could’ve done that better, or I should’ve said this to that person. These thoughts come to mind, but I suppose that's just life. I wouldn't say I've made too many mistakes, but yes, I’m a little laidback by nature. I’ve never been that "hustle till I drop" kind of person—never been like, I have to do this or perish.

That said, I’ve always been a go-getter in my own way. My life has felt quite magical at times. Take the character of Devendra Mishra—that role came at a time when there was no work, no money, and certainly no recognition. I had done several small roles before, enough that people knew me, but I hadn’t broken through that invisible glass ceiling.

Then Devendra Mishra happened. I was internally frustrated and emotionally drained. I took all of that and poured it into the character. That role became a turning point.

There were times I felt like quitting. I’d think, This isn’t working out, let me leave and do something else. But Mumbai—and the film industry—is a magical place. Just when you’re about to give up, something pulls you back in. Slowly, steadily, things started to shift.

I never strategized my career. Many of my friends, even loved ones, used to tell me to set goals, plan things out. I tried once or twice, but nothing came of it. Eventually, I just let things unfold. If it’s meant to happen, it will. And that’s what happened.

There were times I felt like quitting. I’d think, This isn’t working out, let me leave and do something else. But Mumbai—and the film industry—is a magical place. Just when you’re about to give up, something pulls you back in. Slowly, steadily, things started to shift.

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Q: You know, I recently interviewed Vineet Kumar Singh and it’s amazing how 2025 has shaped up for both of you. But more than the accolades, I want to talk about the emotional aspect of being loved by audiences in theatres. OTT is one thing, but when theatrical characters start getting love—it’s different, right?

A: Absolutely. I think every actor dreams of seeing themselves on a 70mm screen. That collective energy inside a theatre—when audiences watch a film together and react together—it’s something else. If the film is good and the audience is enjoying it, the appreciation is palpable.

I went to the theatre a couple of times during Raid's release. The kind of feedback you get—when people laugh at the right moments or react to your scenes—is incredibly elevating. And you’re right, it hits differently when it’s your scenes that receive those reactions.

Q. People have been talking about how you have overpowered someone like Ajay Devgn, but I don't think that is the case. In fact, the scenes that got the most love were with Riteish Deshmukh, who’s a phenomenal comic actor. Riteish is known for his comic timing. To hold your own next to someone like him must require a certain kind of comfort and mutual trust.

A: Yes, absolutely. I think we’re all professional actors, and everyone knows their boundaries. There’s no way I would try to cross over and do what Ajay bhai or Riteish were doing—and they wouldn’t do that to me either.

There’s no one-upmanship. They’re seasoned professionals—respected seniors who’ve been doing stellar work for years. That clarity brings natural synergy on set.

In fact, Riteish and I had this light-hearted conversation. I told him I was tired of doing intense roles, and he said, It’s the opposite for me. I’m tired of doing comedy. He was genuinely happy to explore something new, and he pulled it off beautifully. His subtle pauses added a whole layer to his character. It was fabulous.

Riteish and I had this light-hearted conversation. I told him I was tired of doing intense roles, and he said, It’s the opposite for me. I’m tired of doing comedy. He was genuinely happy to explore something new, and he pulled it off beautifully.

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Q: When everything is going well, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Especially when theatrical appreciation starts coming in. In the midst of that, how do you hold on to simplicity? Is it easy or difficult?

A: I think I’m at a point in life where emotions don’t overflow so easily anymore. This is my work—and it’s something I came to after a lot of struggle. After drifting in various directions, I finally found something rewarding. I love acting. When I came to Mumbai, I left everything behind with the mindset that this is it—I’ll do this even if I die hungry or thirsty.

So, respecting that craft and understanding its responsibility—that has become instinctive. People appreciating the work means a lot. I’m truly grateful. But I don’t think it’ll ever go to my head. I’ve crossed that stage. I’m older now, and maybe a little wiser.

Q: And finally, to round it up—as an actor who has now explored so many genres, adapted to changing trends, and portrayed a variety of characters—I’ve always been curious about this: for every actor, there’s usually one emotion that’s tougher to crack than others. For some, it’s easy to make people laugh; for others, it’s easier to make them cry. Over the years, which emotion has been the toughest for you to master, and have you now become comfortable with it?

A: Honestly, I feel like now I’ve become friends with every emotion. I can do anything. What’s the big deal, right? And I don’t mean to sound arrogant—it’s not like I’m blowing my own trumpet. I’m an actor. And if given enough time, not just me—any actor—can pull off any emotion.

It all boils down to how honestly you connect with yourself and how dedicated you are to the character. If that honesty is there, you’ll always be able to take the character to the right level.