Aman Mehra
He played in Jordan Tandowsky‘s The Escape Plan as Luther.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Aman Mehra: My name is Aman Mehra, I am an actor of British-Indian origin. I was born in London, grew up in India and moved to Los Angeles at the age of 18 to study acting at the University of Southern California. I graduated in 2015 and have been working on film, television, theatre and commercials since.
SKSM: How did you become involved in The escape plan Dollar Baby film?
Aman Mehra: I found out about the project through some mutual friends who also went to USC. They told me they were casting a short film based off of a Stephen King novel and I was instantly attracted to the project. It was a pretty straight forward process after that, I contacted the producer, auditioned, and the next thing I know, we were filming!
SKSM: What do you think it is in the story that attracts people so much?
Aman Mehra: I think for most people, including myself, the way in which Stephen King writes instantly hooks the reader into wanting to know what will happen next. You never know what to expect with him but if you like his style and genre you’re always in for something great! The escape plan is a thrilling story with a lot of depth so there are so many facets of it that grab the readers attention.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Aman Mehra: Since the film was based off of one of his novels, the characters were kept the same and no part was written specifically for an actor. Obviously it was a condensed adaptation, so there were certain differences in the script. I auditioned for the part and was thrilled when I got it!
SKSM: You worked with Jordan Tandowsky on this film, how was that?
Aman Mehra: Working with Jordan was great! He was very enthusiastic, vocal and determined to turn his vision into a reality. I thoroughly enjoyed the process from beginning to end, and the entire crew and production team were awesome! Jordan was very easy to talk to and gave me the freedom to make character choices I felt were right.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Aman Mehra: I think my favorite part of the production was the stunt choreography and special effects make up. I don’t want to give too much away, but there are moments in which there are blood, bullet wounds and deaths, etc. Rehearsing those with the stunt director and having the make up on at the same time was a really fun and cool experience! The private screening was also a special experience – It was great getting together with the team and viewing what we had worked so hard to create!
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Aman Mehra: I’m still in touch with most of the cast and crew since a lot of them were also USC alums or current students. I have worked with a few of the cast again on other projects since. I am currently in India filming a new project, but I’m sure I will catch up with all of them once I am back in Los Angeles!
SKSM: What are you working nowadays?
Aman Mehra: I’m currently shooting a television show in New Delhi, India for an Indian TV Network. I will be heading to London after this to work on some theatre before heading back to Los Angeles later in the year.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Aman Mehra: I am a huge fan of his work! I’m really happy that they are producing more and more movies based off his novels, like ‘IT’, so that people who have never read his work are able to learn his style and stories! Some of my favorite adaptations of his work are The Shining, Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Aman Mehra: People are usually pretty surprised when they find out that I am Indian. I have quite a fair complexion and am able to change my accents at ease so people usually just assume I’m American. People are also pretty surprised when they find out I grew up in a Bollywood film family!
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything else you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Aman Mehra: Of course, I was glad to! I’d just like to encourage more people to go out and read his works, watch the adaptations and interpret the stories in their own way. There is so much more than the eye can see with Stephen King’s works, and the more you let yourself go and truly experience it, the better!
