Neil Nitin Mukesh on His Conscious Decision to Play Grey Roles

Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, known for his portrayal of anti-hero and grey characters, has revealed that his decision to take on such roles was a “conscious decision” he made early in his career. Speaking about his journey, Mukesh reflected on his debut performance in the 2007 thriller Johnny Gaddaar, directed by Sriram Raghavan, which marked the beginning of his association with complex and morally ambiguous characters.
Mukesh’s latest venture, Hisaab Barabar, streaming on ZEE5, adds another significant entry to his repertoire of grey roles. The film, which also stars R. Madhavan, delves into a world of fraud, deceit, and corruption. Mukesh plays Mickey Mehta, a ruthless banker whose character embarks on a dangerous journey after uncovering a small discrepancy in his bank account.
Throughout his career, Neil Nitin Mukesh has embraced a wide range of characters in films like Players, 7 Khoon Maaf, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Wazir, Kaththi (Tamil), and Kavacham, where he has portrayed anti-heroes, villains, and morally conflicted figures.
“I’ve always been drawn to characters that are not simply black and white,” said Mukesh. “It’s the shades of grey that make the role interesting. These characters are more complex and have a deeper psychological aspect, which is what excites me as an actor.”
The actor expressed that he enjoys the challenge of playing such characters, as they allow him to explore different facets of human nature and bring out the complexity of emotions, motives, and actions. Mukesh’s roles continue to resonate with audiences who appreciate layered performances and compelling storytelling.
With Hisaab Barabar, Mukesh continues to establish himself as an actor who thrives in challenging roles, leaving an impression with his ability to portray characters that blur the lines between good and evil.