Guy Sebastian, the Australian singer who gained fame after winning the first season of Australian Idol, has now made his acting debut with Hindi Vindi. The film, which stars veteran actress Neena Gupta and The Archies actor Mihir Ahuja, marks a significant step in Sebastian’s career as he ventures into the world of acting. In an exclusive interview with India Today Digital, the musician opened up about his experience of working in a feature film for the first time, his nervousness, and how his Indian roots have shaped his artistic journey.
In Hindi Vindi, Sebastian plays the role of Neena Gupta's son-in-law and Mihir Ahuja's father. Although he is widely recognized for his success in the music industry, this project challenged him to step out of his comfort zone. Speaking about his transition into acting, he admitted that it was both an exciting and daunting process. "I knew that I was stepping into some big shoes. I'm confident as a musician, but acting was a bit of a test for me," he shared.
While he has spent years in front of the camera as a performer, acting presented a completely different challenge. "You have to truly believe in the character and bring it to life. In a recording studio, I can take 50 takes if I want to. That’s not the case on set. You can’t stop everyone because you did not nail it. You’ve got to get it done quickly. I felt the pressure, but I felt strangely prepared," he added.
Sebastian also spoke about his efforts to do justice to his role, emphasizing the guidance he received from his co-stars. "I really worked on the role and gave it everything. I was very curious, so I kept asking Neena ji and Mihir, ‘Am I doing okay?’ Since you can't see yourself while performing, I was unsure, but I felt good about it. And watching it back, I feel like we have this great chemistry between us."
Beyond acting, Sebastian has also contributed to the film’s music, further solidifying his connection to the project. When asked about how his Indian heritage influenced his music and acting, he shared how deeply Indian culture has shaped his life. "Indian culture has always played a huge role in my life. I’ve always admired Hindi singers and the technical difficulty involved in their craft. Growing up, I’d listen to my mum speak Hindi and wish I could understand it better. Working on this film allowed me to connect more deeply with my heritage, and it was a true honour to collaborate with Neena ji and Mihir while bringing my music to a project so close to my heart."
His character in the film is a ‘deadbeat’ father who is on a journey of redemption, trying to rebuild his relationship with his son. Relating this role to his personal life, Sebastian revealed, "My mum is from India. She speaks Hindi. I grew up watching Hindi movies and learning some Hindi songs, but I can't speak Hindi, so I could really relate to the story. I would listen to my mum speak to her family, and I always wished I could understand. This movie celebrates the Hindi language, but it also celebrates expression. It shows how love and relationships can transcend language barriers. There’s a grandmother trying to connect with her grandson despite the language gap, and yet they still manage to express their love. It's a beautiful film."
Sebastian, who has watched a fair share of Bollywood films, named Meri Jung (1985), starring Anil Kapoor, as his all-time favorite. "Growing up, my favourite was Meri Jung with Anil Kapoor. He could seamlessly shift between playing a villain and a hero, and I admired his versatility," he said.
Apart from Meri Jung, the singer has also watched films like Om Shanti Om, The Archies, and Vadh. He appreciates the diverse storytelling of Indian cinema and its ability to blend emotion, drama, and music in a unique way.
Hindi Vindi was released in Australian theatres on February 27, marking an important milestone in Guy Sebastian's career. With his first film now out in the world, it remains to be seen whether he will take on more acting projects in the future or continue to balance his musical journey with his newfound love for cinema.
