In this episode of Blab with Sandy, we have actor Vivek Sinha, famous for his role in Dhurandhar. He gained immense fame with his hard-hitting dialogues in Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar: The Revenge, where he played the terrorist Zahoor Mistry. Let’s dive into the exciting blab I had with him!
Sandy: Hello, Vivek ji. Could you let us know a bit about your background?
Vivek: Hi, Sandy! I was born in Dhampur, Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh, and coke from a middle-class family. I completed my B.Com and initially worked at a sugar mill. In 2003, I moved to Delhi for work and that was a major step for me. While I did various jobs, I always harbored a strong desire to pursue acting.
Sandy: When and how did you begin your acting journey?
Vivek: I began by exploring acting institutes, believing formal training was essential. I started as a street actor, worked in government ads, and did small roles. A turning point came when a director named Sarveshwar Dayal Saxena offered me a role in drama. Though small, it earned strong audience appreciation and boosted my confidence.
Though I couldn’t get into the National School of Drama, I trained for a year at an institute in Himachal started by an NSD alumnus. Over time, I refined my craft, began teaching acting, and went on to write stories and direct short films and features.
Sandy: How did you get the role of Zahoor Mistry in Dhurandhar?
Vivek: Sandy, after COVID, physical auditions reduced and most casting shifted online. Many casting directors already had my details. One day, I received a call from Pankaj, a casting associate from Mukesh Chhabra’s office, about a terrorist role in an Aditya Dhar film.
At that time, I had long hair and a beard that I’d grown for nearly twelve years, but I was asked to trim them for this part. I did it and gave the audition and I also got to learn that Ranveer Singh was playing the lead in this project. I was called again to perform a crying scene, and shortly after, I was selected for the role.
Sandy: The film begins with your dialogue, and the second part also has your dialogue as an important feature, which received an amazing response from the audience. How does it feel to know that your role is in a way, crux of the story?
Vivek: I first shot for the scenes that appear in the second part of Dhurandhar, and I knew my dialogues were hard-hitting. When I later filmed the plane hijack sequence, I fully understood my character’s purpose and the rage it would evoke.
However, the love and praise I received exceeded all expectations. Interestingly, in the film’s first teaser, Madhavan delivers my dialogues and about my character, and when I saw that, I knew something big was coming. That dialogue went on to become a sensation.
Sandy: How was it sharing screen space with Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Ranveer Singh?
Vivek: It was an incredible experience. Working alongside accomplished actors like them was both inspiring and humbling. Their professionalism and dedication pushed me to elevate my own performance. Ranveer treats everyone equally and is extremely chilled out.
During the plane hijack scene, although my dialogue was meant for Madhavan, I was actually facing the camera. To help me perform better, Madhavan suggested standing right behind the camera so I could feel like I was speaking directly to him. That gesture speaks volumes about his generosity as an actor.
Sandy: How would you describe Aditya Dhar as a director on set, and your rapport with him?
Vivek: Aditya Dhar is extremely simple and grounded, with no airs at all, and I truly enjoyed working with him. After shooting the latter part of my role first, there was a two-month gap before my next schedule. He asked me to lose around 10 kilos for the plane hijack sequence, as it was set years earlier in the story and required a leaner look. Though it felt challenging at first, I managed to do it, and when I met him on set, he smiled and told me that I’m looking good. That moment stayed with me and I am happy to have worked with him.
Sandy: Now that your role has brought you significant recognition, how mindful are you about choosing your next set of roles? Do you feel the need to be more cautious going forward?
Vivek: Haha, definitely. I want to choose the right and bigger roles going forward. At the same time, I also need consistent work, so it can be a bit confusing on what to pick. But I am confident I’ll strike the right balance and pick roles that help me grow steadily.
Sandy: What is in the pipeline for you in the coming months?
Vivek: I’m receiving a few offers, including calls from the South, and discussions are currently underway. That said, people seem to be seeing me mainly in terrorist role, haha! I’m definitely open to exploring a wide range of characters.
Sandy: What words of guidance would you share with aspiring newcomers?
Vivek: Learn the basics firstly. If you want to try luck casually, you can jump in but if you aim to be a well-rounded actor, proper training is essential. Study the craft, join courses, and keep learning. At the same time, be practical, understand your family’s financial situation and find a way to support yourself while pursuing films.
Editors note: It was great having Vivek on this episode. Wishing him all the best and many exciting roles ahead.
Follow Sandy: @blabwithsandy
Follow Vivek Sinha: @viveksinhaactor