02 December,2025 10:20 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Dukquer Salmaan
After making a mark in the Malayalam industry, Dulquer Salmaan ventured into Hindi cinema with films like Karwaan, The Zoya Factor, and Chup: Revenge Of The Artist. However, his initial days in the industry were not easy. In a recent interview, he revealed how he was pushed around on sets and had to create the illusion of being a big star so that people took notice of him.
In a conversation with Hollywood Reporter India, Dulquer said, "When I did Hindi films here, my two people and I would just get pushed around on set. I had to create this illusion of being this big star. Otherwise, I wouldn't find chairs to sit! I wouldn't find space to look at the monitors. It'd be a big crowd of people."
He further added that if an actor arrives in a fancy car with a large entourage, they are perceived as big stars. "I realised it's all perception. If you come in a fancy car with a lot of people, then suddenly the perception is, âOh, this is a star.' Which is sad because that's not where my energy should go," he said.
He also pointed out the differences in culture on Malayalam film sets. "We never had any luxury on set. We'd shoot all over the state, get permission from a house, pay the owners, and that would be where we change or use the restrooms. That was always the practice," he explained.
The actor also shared his take on the entourage costs debate, saying, "Most of us absorb our own costs. If I'm being paid X, then X minus whatever my entourage costs or luxuries I want⦠I can absorb it. It's not the end of the world. There's no end to perks when something is free; you enjoy it more and keep wanting more," he added.
On the work front, Dulquer was last seen in the Tamil-language period thriller Kaantha, released last month. He recently announced his next film titled I'M Game by unveiling his first look. This marks his return to Malayalam cinema. Taking to Instagram, Dulquer shared the announcement poster and wrote, "R E A D Y ??"
