Actor and doctorAshish Gokhale, who is known for his performances in Rohit Shetty’s web series Indian Police Force and films like Shaitaan, 420 IPC, Bholaa, and Gabbar Is Back, is currently seen in Raid 2. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Ashish reflected on balancing medicine and movies, his preparation process for emotionally complex characters, and his bond with Ajay Devgn.You’ve been part of some intense, high-stakes dramas like 420 IPC, Shaitaan, and Raid 2. How do you prepare for such emotionally and physically layered supporting roles?I come from a theatre background, so that discipline stays with me. Every script is different, and it offers only a certain amount of information about a character. I spend time decoding not just the character, but their characteristics and motivations.For instance, in 420 IPC, I played a negative character, and the tone was very different from Shaitaan, where I portrayed a confident, dominating police officer. That role was especially challenging because I had to interrogate three people—played by Ajay Devgn sir, R. Madhavan sir, and Jyotika ma’am. My character was assertive, but he wasn’t dealing with criminals—he was interrogating a chartered accountant from a respectable family. So, the body language had to balance professionalism with suspicion. It was a fine line. That scene was done in a single take, and all three of them clapped for me after it. That meant a lot.With Raid 2, I didn’t get a written script during the audition. I was told to improvise a scene where I play a powerful officer chilling in his office, unfazed by an incoming income tax officer. I had to come up with the dialogues on the spot and deliver in a distinct Madhya Pradesh dialect. That got me selected. Later, director Raj Kumar Gupta sir sat me down and said, “You won’t have a lot of dialogues, but I want your presence to register.” I created a backstory for the character—a dual personality of sorts. Outwardly respectful to seniors, but internally dismissive. To physically embody that, I even adjusted my posture and added padding to my shirt to match the 1989 setting and give him a chubbier look. I drew inspiration from two of my uncles who were income tax officers.Do you approach supporting characters differently than lead roles—especially when sharing screen space with stars like Ajay Devgn?Absolutely. A supporting character might have fewer lines, but the depth can be just as strong—if not stronger. I always believe that an actor must read between the lines. It’s not just about the written dialogue; it’s about the silences, the pauses, the unspoken layers.In Shaitaan, I made a conscious choice to speak with my eyes. That’s something I’ve always admired about Ajay sir—he does so much with just his gaze. I wanted to bring that intensity into my portrayal as well. Ajay sir is very generous. He’s not just a great actor but a wonderful co-star who helps you elevate your performance. It’s comforting when legends like him are that supportive on set.You’ve now worked with Ajay Devgn in multiple projects. What has your experience been like with him and your co-stars in Raid 2, including Riteish Deshmukh, Vaani Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, and Supriya Pathak?Raid 2 is actually my third project with Ajay sir after Bholaa and Shaitaan. I’ve spent over a year on set with him over the past few years, and it feels like we’re a little family now. He’s truly been a mentor to me. Riteish sir is a sweetheart—so chilled out, so approachable, no ego whatsoever. The same goes for Vaani Kapoor ma’am, Saurabh Shukla sir, and Supriya Pathak ma’am. Such lovely, humble people. There’s zero attitude or insecurity on that set, and that creates a beautiful space to work in.
Being an outsider in the film industry, have you faced difficult times?Of course, I’ve had my share of tough days—but I don’t dwell on them. Everyone does. I choose to focus on the good things coming my way now. Difficult times shape you. They make you tougher. I like to say difficult roads make good drivers. Those challenges helped me discover new paths. Even now, there are struggles, but I’m enjoying the journey.When did you realize you wanted to act—and how did that coexist with your medical journey?Acting has always been my true passion. But when I decided to pursue it seriously, the world—especially my family—was against it. My parents are doctors, and they had a hospital set up for me in Konkan. They wanted me to stay back and run it. They used emotional blackmail, too—it was tough. No one supported me at the time except for one senior doctor, my mentor, who encouraged me and stood by me. Without him, I might not have made it to Mumbai.Did anyone warn you about the emotional burden of this industry?Yes, many did. This industry is unpredictable. Until you get your footing, survival is hard. I always tell young people—make sure you have an education, a fallback, something that lets you earn your bread and butter. You can chase your dreams, but you shouldn’t have to beg or borrow to live. I’ve never taken a single rupee from anyone—not even my parents. I wanted to stand on my own two feet. And I have.Have there been any mentors—formal or informal—who’ve influenced your journey in the industry?Honestly, everyone I meet teaches me something—whether they’re from the industry or from my medical practice. My patients, my co-actors, even someone I might chat with briefly. I observe, absorb, and learn from each and every person. In that way, I feel like the whole world is my mentor.