For Sunny Hinduja, best known as Sandeep Bhaiya in Aspirantsthe idea of a ‘Plan B’ was never about changing direction but about finding another way to reach Plan A. During a recent work trip to Goa, he reflected on his journey, from years of patience and training at FTII to finding recognition through OTT and the role Goa has played in shaping him, both personally and professionally.‘FOR ME, EVERYTHING WAS ALWAYS PLAN A’When asked how he navigated the years before Aspirants brought him recognition and what kept him going, Sunny reflects that it was always pure passion. Further talking about it, The Family Man The actor says, “For me, Plan A, Plan B and Plan C were essentially one, and even if these alternatives existed, they were only different ways of reaching the same goal. There was never a mindset of switching or escaping the main aim, and every setback only sharpened my focus and strengthened the resolve.”‘I WAS JUST SHARPENING MYSELF THROUGH IT ALL’Sunny describes his struggle years as preparation, not delay. Emphasizing the need to stay ready, he says, “AKeep honing your skills, keep sharpening your edge,” adding that he was constantly working on himself. On whether Aspirants could have come earlier, he ties timing to readiness, explaining that things happen only when one is ready, and what may seem like a delay is actually preparation aligning with the right moment.OTT CHANGED EVERYTHING FOR MECalling OTT a turning point, he says it became a stepping stone to recognition not just for him but for many actors and technicians. He says, “Earlier, good, layered roles were limited and talent often lacked the right platform. OTT opened space for meaningful storytelling, deeper characters and longer arcs, while also providing visibility. It has been a blessing, as I found the roles I was looking for and audiences connected with my work in a sustained way.“‘I OWE MY ENTIRE CAREER TO FTII’The actor who was recently seen in Good from all over the world on OTT, credits FTII in Pune for shaping both his craft and identity, saying he owes his entire career to the institute. He adds that the environment there deeply influenced him. Recalling his strong bond with batchmates, he mentions, “Our batch was very close. We knew each other completely, and there was a lot of freedom to explore without judgment. Everyone used to perform differently and that helped me understand myself better as an actor. Even today, those bonds remain strong. I still meet my batchmates like Vijay Verma, Jaideep Ahlawat. We sit, talk and even play mindi like before. That connection has not changed with time,” adding that he met his wife there, making FTII not just a professional space but a deeply personal one as well.‘GOA IS WHERE I STARTED WATCHING FILMS SERIOUSLY’Speaking about Goa, he says it is where he began watching films seriously. As part of his FTII curriculum, he would visit every year for IFFI, which helped him move from simply watching cinema to understanding it. Talking about his connection to the coastal state, he says, “Goa’s water has seen me grow. I have celebrated many birthdays in Goa during IFFI, I even went for my honeymoon here. The place has grown with me over time.” Today, the state remains a space where work and life meet naturally for him, shaped by memory, cinema and more.
