Akshay Nalawade Opens Up on Typecasting Due to Athletic Build

Mumbai: Actor Akshay Nalawade, known for his powerful portrayals of Garud Dev in Shiv Shakti: Tap Tyag Tandav and Kakbhushundi in Ramayan, revealed that his athletic build has been both a blessing and a limitation in his acting career.

“I have faced some typecasting due to my athletic build. I often get roles related to action or tough characters, especially warriors in mythological shows. But that’s just one aspect; otherwise, I’ve played a variety of roles throughout my career,” he shared.

Akshay also spoke about his rooted approach to storytelling, emphasising that challenging societal norms through his work has never been his goal. “I truly believe in our culture, religion, generation, and region. Everyone has their own set of beliefs, and I would never want to hurt them in any way through my acting. If I ever portray such a character, I would ensure it doesn’t hurt anyone’s sentiments,” he added.

Passionate about India’s heritage, Akshay expressed his desire to bring stories of unsung heroes to the screen. “I’m a proud desh bhakt (patriot). I feel we know so little about our real-life heroes—our kings, our history. Today, people often know more about other countries than their own. Cinema can be a powerful medium to teach, learn, and showcase the beauty of India, both past and present,” he said.

Looking ahead, Akshay dreams of playing characters rooted in real stories that reflect the nation’s rich history and cultural pride.