By: Vibhuti Pathak
After nine years of rigorous training and preparation, Govinda’s son Yashvardhan Ahuja is finally set to make his Bollywood debut this year. Unlike many star kids who take a fast track into the industry, Yashvardhan took his time to hone his craft and find his own voice—something he credits to Ranbir Kapoor’s valuable advice.
In a recent interview with The Times of India, Yashvardhan shared how Ranbir encouraged him to step outside Bollywood’s bubble and experience life beyond the film industry before diving into his acting career.
Reflecting on his journey, Yashvardhan revealed how Ranbir Kapoor’s guidance played a crucial role in shaping his perspective on filmmaking and acting.
“It was Ranbir Kapoor who convinced me to go abroad and learn filmmaking. He said it’s important to live outside the Bollywood bubble and helped me discover my own likes and dislikes, my identity, choices, and in a way, my own voice. Beyond being a great actor, Ranbir also has the vision of a storyteller.”
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Taking Ranbir’s advice seriously, Yashvardhan enrolled in an acting school in London, where he spent a year refining his skills. He also attended acting workshops in Mumbai and continues to train rigorously.
“It’s like an endless thing. You can never say you know it all.”
While Ranbir Kapoor helped him shape his artistic approach, Govinda’s words of wisdom kept Yashvardhan grounded in his cinematic journey. Unlike many Bollywood actors who lean into profanity for dramatic effect, Govinda was known for his clean, entertaining performances.
“My father has never abused on screen. His only advice to me was ‘Filmon me gaali-vali mat dena’ (Don’t use abusive language in your films).”
Yashvardhan also spoke about his father’s impeccable comic timing and dancing skills, which he believes remain unmatched in Bollywood.
“I never saw him learning his lines and yet his timing has always been perfect. He has a photographic memory. No one can beat him in dancing or comic timing. Just observing him has taught me a lot.”
Unlike many star kids who walk into Bollywood with easy opportunities, Yashvardhan auditioned for nine years before securing his first lead role.
His debut film, a romantic drama directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Sai Rajesh, is set to release later this year. While the title is yet to be announced, expectations are already high for the newcomer.
Before stepping in front of the camera, Yashvardhan worked behind the scenes, assisting in several Bollywood films, including:
Dishoom (2016)
Baaghi (2016)
Salman Khan’s upcoming film Kick 2
His time behind the scenes helped him understand filmmaking beyond just acting, giving him a well-rounded perspective on cinema.
With years of preparation, a strong foundation in acting, and the influence of both Ranbir Kapoor’s advice and Govinda’s legacy, Yashvardhan Ahuja is all set to make his mark in Bollywood. As he gears up for his debut, fans eagerly await to see whether he will carve out his own niche or follow in his father’s footsteps.
One thing is certain—his journey has been anything but ordinary.