Interview | Deepak Dobriyal: When an actor becomes resentful, it affects his craft

Deepak Dobriyal, who was seen in Hindi Medium and Lucknow Central last year, plays a small-time gangster in the just-released Kaalakaandi. The actor is known for his adept portrayal of diverse characters and making a mark through them. He talks about why he is always looking out for roles that create an impact and how artistes like him are enjoying their moment of glory, thanks to the kind of cinema that is being made now.

What prompted you to take up Kaalakaandi? 

I did the film mainly because of Akshat Verma. I had seen his writing in Delhi Belly and was impressed by the way he had woven together the black comedy. I felt the script of Kaalakaandi was quite different from the kind of films that are being made today.

You have been a part of movies such as Hindi Medium and the Tanu Weds Manu franchise and shone bright in your supporting roles. How difficult is it to hold your own despite not playing the protagonist? 

I never take up a role in terms of whether I’m playing a protagonist or a supporting actor. Even if the duration is short, I feel it should be prominent and I must try to make an impact through it. Some people tend to get carried away and let their persona overtake the roles that they portray on screen but I never do that. I give 100 per cent to each role.

What is it that you look for while signing a film? 

I always look for roles that are challenging and where I can learn something new. Also, I want the audience to see me do something different. If I’m not versatile, they will get bored. As an actor, I need to constantly reinvent myself. Over the last few years, the scenario of Hindi cinema has changed drastically. Now, slice-of-life films set in smaller towns dealing with unconventional subjects are being made.

This must be an exciting time for you as an artiste?

Yes, it is not just for me but for all those actors who are talented but haven’t got a break yet. Also, now filmmakers are trying to make movies and actors are keen to take up roles that create an impact on the society at large.

But do you ever wish that this change should have happened earlier when you had just started off? 

No, I don’t think that way. Earlier, different kinds of films were being made which had an impact on actors and the audience in a certain way. As a result, it affected actors like me too. After all, change is the only constant. Also, I never look back. I never regret that things should have happened in a particular way. I feel there is a certain time for everything. When an actor complains or becomes resentful, it affects his craft. So, the best thing is to focus on your work and move ahead with the times.

You have managed to strike a balance between commercial films such as Dabangg and unconventional movies too. So, is it a deliberate attempt on your part? 

Yes, I want to explore different characters. When you start doing certain kind of roles, the audience, as well as writers and filmmakers, start perceiving you that way. The challenge lies in how I can add my own touch to the character that has been envisioned by the writer-director. When that happens, only then I can break the mould and widen my repertoire. I come from the theatre background where I have done plays of William Shakespeare and Bertolt Brecht etc. Initially, when I forayed into cinema I was a little frustrated. I used to think neither filmmakers nor viewers understood me. But then I told myself that I need to approach things differently and start right from scratch. So, I altered my craft and started working accordingly.

Now, supporting actors like you, Pankaj Tripathi and Seema Pahwa have carved a niche for yourself. All of you are as given as much, if not more, importance than the protagonist. It must be a very rewarding experience for you… 

Yes, it’s a wonderful sign that artistes of such good calibre are getting importance. It’s so good to see an actor like Pankaj Tripathi shine in good roles. We have done a couple of films together such as Omkara, Dabangg and Shaurya etc. Moreover, with so many actors enjoying their place under the sun, filmmakers don’t have to be dependent on a few artistes for such roles. They have wider options to choose from.

Are you keen to explore the digital space? 

I’m not keen on jumping on the bandwagon as of now. I’m still waiting for the right kind of content through which I can engage with viewers. Web series should be created like cinema, each episode should be made like a film just the way it happens abroad. Look at their writing, camera work, locations, direction, editing, costumes etc. So, their series are successful. Here, we claim to make web series, but actually we are making serials on the digital space.