Priyanshu Painyuli is a name we’re all slowly growing familiar with, all thanks to his impressive filmography. Whether gaining a foothold over the big screen with an interesting lineup of films or keeping the audience entertained with his OTT stints, this talented young actor is quickly gaining ground in the film industry. Keeping in mind that he will soon become regular at the box office with films like ‘Rashmi Rocket‘ and ‘Pippa‘ in the pipeline, ETimes got into a conversation with Priyanshu, who spilled the beans on his life as a newly married man, playing a supportive husband on and off the big screen, and, of course, sending co-star Taapsee Pannu sprinting away from his “bad jokes”. Excerpts:

Was your lockdown wedding to Vandana Joshi different from what you two would have planned under normal circumstances?

Our wedding during Covid times definitely had more plans related to safety precautions and sanitisation. It was different from what it could have been from the point of view of calling all our family members and friends. We missed calling all those who were important to us, but the intimate gathering of just 50 of us was also a lot of fun and a memorable celebration.

Just a month later, you packed up and headed off for your extensive film shoots. What did Vandana have to say about it?

Yes, just after our wedding, we got into shifting into a house, and then my shoots resumed but Vandana as always has been very understanding. She is an actor and she knows when you get a good project in hand you give your full commitment to it.

You’ve got a lot of exciting projects coming up, which one are you looking forward to the most and why?

All of them, but definitely ‘Rashmi Rocket’ first because it’s a special one. I am playing an army officer, plus it’s my first time with RSVP and Taapsee Pannu and it’s a very good story, directed by my special friend Akarsh Khurana. I am really looking forward to surprising the audience with my role in this one.

Did the role in ‘Rashmi Rocket’ change your perspective about being a husband and a support system to an ambitious wife?

I play Captain Gagan Thakur and there is more to him than just being a supportive husband, which I don’t want to reveal as of now. What I understand and believe in is that whenever your partner is low on energy or loses the fire from within, your small gesture or few words can light the flame again. Strength grows when you share it and when you build it together.

What can the audience expect to see in ‘Rashmi Rocket’?

The audience can definitely expect an interesting story about an athlete and the struggle to achieve what you really deserve, against all odds.

Tell us something about shooting with Taapsee Pannu…

I had a great time shooting; Taapsee is a lot of fun on the sets and though she claims to hate my jokes, my bad jokes made her run fast and that’s what we needed in the film.