After playing the much-feared Thangaballi in Rohit Shetty’s Chennai Express (2013), Nikitin Dheer will play a baddie once again in the filmmaker’s forthcoming action flick, Sooryavanshi. This will not only be the actor’s second collaboration with the Simmba director but also with Akshay Kumar. Earlier, he had shared screen space with the Khiladi in Housefull 3 (2016).

Nikitin is all praises for the Golmaal Again maker as the latter gave him the memorable role of Thangaballi. He says, “I have utmost respect for Rohit bhai. I look up to him. I have immense faith in him as a filmmaker. He brings out the best in me. When I saw Chennai Express for the first time, I remember hugging him and crying like a baby. Thangaballi has been the best role of my career so far. I felt immense pride being part of such a wonderful film.”

Talking about playing an antagonist in Sooryavanshi, he adds, “Being a part of this cop universe created by Rohit bhai is an absolute privilege. Who can forget Jaykant Shikre (played by Prakash Raj), one of the most iconic villains of recent times, who received as much love as Singham. In Simmba again, the magic was recreated. That’s the beauty of this universe. The villains have left big boots to fill and I hope I can do a job that keeps the legacy going.”

Akshay Kumar (left) and Rohit Shetty

The 39-year-old is equally excited to collaborate with Akshay for the cop drama. He mentions, “My father (Pankaj Dheer) did seven films with him at the start of his career. I remember watching him on set as a kid and observed the fire and passion he had. Then, I got a chance to work with him in Housefull 3 and it was a lot of fun. While that was a comedy film with a hint of action, this is an all-out action film. So, for me it will be like going to school and taking lessons in the craft from teachers. I can’t wait to learn more from him. The best part about working with actors of his calibre is that one walks away richer in values, work ethic and experience. I’m looking forward to it.”