Hrithik has been an idol; Deepika's infectious energy lit up the sets; reveals Fighter actor Nishant Khanduja

Siddharth Anand's 'Fighter' has been making waves all across, despite of it's underwhelming box office collection. The Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone lead film also boasted a stellar cast, all hailed for their exemplary performances. Recently, India Forums joined in a candid conversation with actor Nishant Khanduja, who played the role of flying officer Manoj Bharadwaj with the call sign 'Birdie'. He shed light on his camaraderie with the cast members and his learnings from the set. 

"Working on "Fighter" was an emotional rollercoaster, filled with moments of awe, camaraderie, and profound growth. Stepping onto set for the first time alongside the legendary Hrithik sir, under the direction of my idol Siddharth Anand, was a surreal experience. Since I was 18, I had idolized Hrithik sir for his unwavering dedication and passion for his craft, and finally getting to work alongside him was nothing short of a dream come true."

- Nishant Khanduja

He further gushed, "But it wasn't just the star power that made "Fighter" special; it was the bonds formed with my co-stars, particularly Akshay Oberoi and Karan Singh Grover, who quickly became like family to me. Their guidance and support, especially Karan's elder-brotherly gestures, touched me deeply and gave me the strength to push myself beyond my limits."

Talking about the journey he said, "Throughout the filming process, "Fighter" felt like more than just another project; it was a journey of self-discovery and growth. Each day on set brought new challenges and triumphs, but it was the sense of unity and camaraderie among the cast and crew that made every moment truly memorable."

He also mentioned about Deepika's presence on set and how it added an extra layer of warmth and joy. He said, "Her infectious energy and genuine kindness melted away any nervousness, leaving only a sense of gratitude for being part of such an incredible team."

Talking about the filming experience, he expressed, "But perhaps the most significant takeaway from "Fighter" was the lessons learned about the intricacies of filmmaking. From witnessing how a simple high-speed shot could transform into a breathtaking sequence to understanding the art of storytelling through the lens, every moment was a masterclass in the craft."

He concluded by mentioning that "Fighter came to its exhilarating conclusion with its release; I couldn't help but feel a bittersweet mix of emotions. While I may have entered the set empty-handed, I emerged with a treasure trove of lasting relationships, invaluable knowledge, and a newfound appreciation for the magic of cinema. "Fighter" wasn't just a film; it was an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart, leaving me yearning for more reunions with this extraordinary bunch."

The film, which was released on 25th Jan 2024, has received mixed reviews from audiences but was highly lauded by critics.