After winning the audience as a rapper in ‘Gully Boy‘, actor Siddhant Chaturvedi romances Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone indulging in infidelity in ‘Gehraiyaan‘, slated for a release this Friday. IBNS-TWF correspondent Souvik Ghosh brings excerpts of Chaturvedi’s recent interactions
What was your reaction to the narration of the script?
I remember the first time I met Shakun when he narrated the script. I was blown away. I said yes (to the film) right there. There were no second thoughts about it. The only thing I didn’t know was how I was going to do it (work in the film). I could understand the world (of ‘Gehraiyaan’) and vision but I didn’t know anything more because we hadn’t seen anything like this. There was no reference point for the character. Nothing like this I had ever seen. I think that’s when I knew that I had to do the film because it really excites me to choose things which are very scary. And this was one of them and it just became a wonderful journey. I didn’t realise it was actually that tough because it was Shakun who made us feel comfortable. Me and my co-actors Deepika, Ananya, Dhairya became like a family and we bonded so well.
What is the character Zain for you?
He’s clever, sharp, he knows his power, territory. He is ambitious and a fox (smiles).
So how was this film set different?
I think it was one of the best set experiences. It was an incredible experience for a lifetime. I wish actors get to prep the way they should to give them their comfort zone and to understand that ease will actually extract the best performances. I think Shakun was very sensitive to that. I am going to cherish this experience for a lifetime.
You have worked with Ranveer (in ‘Gully Boy’) and now Deepika. How different are they from each other as co-actors?
I think they are different but the same. They are same-same but different. I mean they’re different personalities obviously but when it comes to the craft you know it’s the same. They have the same level of submission to the writing, direction and are very disciplined. I mean the first time I met Ranveer, I was reading with him. He didn’t seem like Ranveer Singh. I could just feel that he’s just a boy who’s trying to kind of get into the skin of Murad (Ranveer’s character in ‘Gully Boy’). The first time I met Deepika, she was not Deepika but like a girl who sits in a school with a pencil box, pen, highlighters giving first bencher vibes. Both were the same but in a special way.
I think they are different but the same. They are same-same but different. I mean they’re different personalities obviously but when it comes to the craft you know it’s the same. They have the same level of submission to the writing, direction and are very disciplined. I mean the first time I met Ranveer, I was reading with him. He didn’t seem like Ranveer Singh. I could just feel that he’s just a boy who’s trying to kind of get into the skin of Murad (Ranveer’s character in ‘Gully Boy’). The first time I met Deepika, she was not Deepika but like a girl who sits in a school with a pencil box, pen, highlighters giving first bencher vibes. Both were the same but in a special way.
People still identify you as a rapper from ‘Gully Boy’. Does that still stay with you?
Yeah, yeah (smiles). I think I have acquired this skill which will remain for a lifetime. Contrary to people’s belief, I am not a rapper. Obviously, the character was liked by a lot of people.
IBNS-TWF