Aditya Rawal has won acclaim for his raw, deeply researched performance as a drug-addicted serial killer in Daldal. The actor opens up about immersive preparation, working with a rehab expert, and why maintaining distance from the limelight helps audiences invest in his characters
Aditya Rawal
Aditya Rawal is earning unanimous praise for his chilling turn as Sajid, a drug-addicted serial killer, in Daldal. The Amazon Prime Video investigative thriller, created by Suresh Triveni and directed by Amrit Raj Gupta, also stars Bhumi Pednekar and Samara Tijori, and stands apart for probing the why behind serial killings rather than merely revealing the who.
At the centre of this unsettling narrative is Rawal’s deeply internalised performance — raw, fractured, and disturbingly human. The actor admits that from the moment he came on board, he knew Sajid would demand extensive preparation and emotional responsibility.
Understanding the mind of an addict
Rawal reveals that even before he began his personal research, director Amrit Raj Gupta had already initiated discussions with a psychologist to ensure the portrayal stayed grounded. But what proved transformative was his association with Brian, a former addict who has been sober for three decades and runs a rehabilitation centre.
“I knew I would have to go to rehab centres and really understand the mindset beyond just observing situations, watching material or reading about it,” Rawal says. “When I went to Brian’s rehab centre, the Freedom Center, I realised how open he was. He has lived through those journeys and was incredibly willing to talk about them.”
Impressed by Brian’s honesty and lived experience, Rawal suggested bringing him on board as a consultant for the show. The makers agreed.
“If somebody like him could be on set and help us with the physical details the authenticity of drug use, withdrawal, the behaviour, I felt that would really elevate the performance,” he explains. “Suresh sir, Amrit sir and the entire team were very open to that suggestion.”
Brian was present during every scene that involved drug use or withdrawal, offering real-time guidance. “Anything that can help you improve your performance and add more detail is of primary importance,” Rawal adds.
For his preparation, Rawal visited the Freedom Center twice, met Brian multiple times, and also spent time at other rehabilitation centres. This was followed by detailed readings and discussions with the director.
“Once you’re on set, you’ve taken in all the knowledge you can. That’s when it’s time to apply it and express yourself,” he says. “Amrit is the guiding light, Suresh sir is the showrunner and Brian was there too. You felt very safe. There were always people to tell you if something was too much, too little, or not quite right.” He describes the process as one of constant calibration. “You keep tightening it, like pulling a rubber band, until it snaps. That was really the preparation.”
Navigating visibility as a star kid
Despite being the son of veteran actor Paresh Rawal, Aditya prefers to stay away from the glare of constant public visibility, a choice he says comes naturally to him rather than being a calculated strategy.
Aditya Rawal has consistently shone with his performance in films like Bamfaad, Faraaz and web series Bambai Meri Jaan. However, he is hardly seen captured by the paparazzi or living a loud PR driven life.
“I also write, I do theatre, most of the time I’m just busy working,” he shares. “When I unwind, I want to read a good book or watch a good film. I’m quite comfortable in my own skin, and I’m comfortable being alone with myself.”
Interestingly, Rawal believes a certain distance from the spotlight actually serves an actor well. “If you’re not constantly in people’s faces outside of your work, they can really invest in your characters,” he says. “Otherwise it becomes, ‘Oh, I’ve already seen this person a thousand times on reels.’”
That said, he acknowledges the need for balance. “You have to be seen enough to be considered viable, but also maintain a bit of intrigue. That curiosity about you, that’s important.”
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
