Mumbai:
Veteran actor and Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan has spoken about her grandson Agastya Nanda’s acting journey as the trailer of his upcoming film Ikkis was unveiled. She expressed confidence that Agastya will create his own identity in the film industry and will not “follow the herd”, even as conversations around star kids and nepotism continue in Bollywood.
Agastya’s role in Ikkis
Ikkis is a biographical drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a Param Vir Chakra awardee who died in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war at the age of just 21. Agastya plays the lead role, portraying the young soldier’s courage and emotional strength. The film attempts to highlight the personal sacrifice and bravery that shaped a crucial chapter in Indian military history.
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, the film aims for a grounded and realistic tone. Raghavan is known for projects that focus heavily on character depth and subtle emotional detailing. Agastya’s performance is said to balance vulnerability with intensity, as required for the role of a national hero.
Jaya Bachchan’s remarks
While speaking about Agastya’s approach to cinema, Jaya Bachchan emphasised that neither of his parents — Shweta Bachchan Nanda and Nikhil Nanda — are actors, which means he did not grow up in a typical film-household environment.
She explained that Agastya has a strong individual streak and has been “brought up to think, learn and express independently”. She added that he has spent considerable time training, understanding cinema and preparing for his performances rather than simply relying on his family name.
Jaya Bachchan further noted that audiences should not rush to label Agastya as “just another star kid” and instead observe his choices and craftsmanship with an open mind.
A gradual entry into films
Agastya made his acting debut in 2023 with the digital film The Archies. The film received mixed response, but his performance was appreciated by many for its sincerity. Industry observers noted that instead of starting with a commercial mainstream project, he chose a film rooted in youth culture and nostalgia.
With Ikkis, his second project, he transitions into a more serious and emotionally intense role. The shift suggests a deliberate attempt to avoid being boxed in and to experiment early in his career.
Family legacy and expectations
Being part of the Bachchan family naturally places Agastya under public and media attention. His grandmother Jaya Bachchan, grandfather Amitabh Bachchan and uncle Abhishek Bachchan have had influential careers, shaping Indian cinema across decades.
However, Jaya Bachchan stressed that legacy should not be seen as a burden, but neither should it be used as a shortcut. She said that Agastya respects the work that came before him, but is focused on building his own journey.
Industry reaction
People within the fraternity have noted that Agastya’s film choices are “unpredictable but thoughtful”. Directors and critics who viewed early screenings have described his performance in Ikkis as “committed, emotionally aware, and involving”.
Trade analysts believe that if Ikkis connects with audiences, it may position Agastya as one of the stronger new-generation performers with range rather than just popularity.
Conclusion
As Ikkis prepares for release, Agastya Nanda stands at a defining moment in his career. With the confidence of his family, the guidance of a respected filmmaker, and a story rooted in real heroism, the film marks a significant step — not only for him as an actor but also in shaping his public identity. Whether the film becomes a turning point remains to be seen, but the intent to carve an individual path is already clear.