In an exclusive chat with Mid Day, Danish Iqbal talks about Dhurandhar 2’s massive success, sharing screen space with Ranveer Singh, the long hours in Bade Sahab prosthetics, audience calling the film propaganda, and the possibility of a part 3
Danish Iqbal
The enigma surrounding Bade Sahab and Dawood Ibrahim's persona was busted with Danish Iqbal’s appearance in Dhurandhar 2. In conversation with Mid Day, Danish Iqbal opens up about Dhurandhar’s record breaking success and the mystery surrounding Bade Sahab. He also praises Ranveer Singh’s hard work, reacts to the audience calling the film propaganda, and breaks silence on speculation around part 3.
Danish Iqbal on Dhurandhar success
Dhurandhar 2 has shattered all records within a day of release. Reflecting on the love and adulation, Danish Iqbal says, “Dhurandhar has broken all the records, and there are no fake figures. So, if you make good cinema, people will come.”
He underscores that every film has its own space and scale, implying that not all projects need to match Dhurandhar’s magnitude to be successful. He explains, “Every content and every film has its own audience and its own space. Not all films can be Dhurandhar, or of that scale.”
With Aditya Dhar keeping key details under wraps, even the actor was unaware of the two part plan, while the growing buzz and wild fan speculation around Bade Sahab only added to the intrigue. He asserts, “We never knew that it would be in two parts. What I was told was that my character would enter post interval. Most of the plan, Aditya Dhar kept to himself, which was very much required in a film like this, because the script is God in this film.”
He adds, “I initially thought it was just one film and that I would be a part of it. But when the first part released, I realised I would be in part two. Meanwhile, the mention of Bade Sahab created such a buzz. Even I was surprised. There was so much speculation, with people guessing names like Emraan Hashmi, Salman Khan, and many others. Everyone was casting their favourite actor as Bade Sahab.”
Danish on Ranveer Singh
Danish reflects on sharing screen space with some of Bollywood’s most admired actors and the impact it had on him. “I have watched Ranveer Singh on screen for years and have always been a big fan of his work. His energy and charisma are unmatched. Arjun Rampal is such a dashing personality, and Rakesh Bedi is someone we have all grown up watching. I used to wonder if I would ever meet them and hoped I would not feel intimidated.”
He adds, “Ranveer’s energy, focus, dedication, and hunger for good work are evident on set. When you work with him, he ensures the best comes out of every scene.”
Danish on donning prosthetics
Bade Sahab’s striking on screen appearance became one of Dhurandhar’s biggest highlights. It took Danish around 9 to 10 hours to get into the look. He shares, “My call time was usually 4 to 5 hours before everyone else. By the time my makeup was done, I was already feeling half sick. It is a very long and tedious process. You have to stay in that makeup for 16 to 20 hours at times. It is extremely demanding and quite challenging.”
On audience calling Dhurandhar propaganda
While Dhurandhar has been widely praised for its scale and storytelling, a section of the audience has also sparked debate by labelling the film as propaganda. Reacting to such conversations, Danish says, “I do not pay attention to such theories because that is not my job as an actor. My responsibility is to listen to my director, focus on the script, and give my best. People can say what they want, but the audience is enjoying the film. Cinema is made for the audience, and their love is the real success of Dhurandhar. I believe this is the time to celebrate cinema.”
On part 3 speculations
Amid part 2 success, speculations are rife that the film may also have a part 3. Danish Iqbal reveals, “I wish there were 10 Dhurandhar films and I was a part of all of them. But it ultimately depends on what Aditya Dhar decides. I would love for the story to continue with more sequels, but he is not someone who changes his plans due to external pressure. If he wants to make it, he will, and if he does not, he will not. That is the beauty of his filmmaking. He does not get carried away.”
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