Bollywood actors Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri spoke on playing challenging small-town characters in Dhadak 2, which is set for August 1 release. IBNS-TWF correspondent Souvik Ghosh reports

Q (to Siddhant): Tell us about your character.

A. I feel fortunate as an actor to be picked by producer Karan Johar for such a film because I have majorly played urban characters so far in my career. I was not getting an opportunity to play a small town boy's role. I decided to work on this project immediately when I heard the story. The role was intense and I had no clue how I would pull it off. But for some unknown reason, I always choose intense and challenging roles by default. I felt like reliving college life for the way we have been directed in the film. It was a very enjoyable experience. By the wrap-up, I felt I had given it all which gave me a feeling of satisfaction. The film is very special to me.

Triptii Dimri. Photo: Triptii Dimri/Facebook

Q (to Triptii): How was your overall experience of working in Dhadak 2?

A. I am very proud of this film. I am happy to be a part of it and work with such people. I have received only happy vibes throughout the making of this film. There is no one better than Shazia (Shazia Iqbal, director), who has given us so much freedom as actors, especially in serious scenes where we go through a lot. She was never forceful in her direction but always supportive. She is the best director (laughs).

Q (to Siddhant). You hail from a small town- Ballia in Uttar Pradesh. How was playing a small town character on-screen?

A. As an actor, it is always my responsibility to play a character perfectly. I have lived the life of a small town boy. I still visit my hometown so I am somewhere connected to that world. I was not somehow getting an opportunity to play a small town character. I think anyone- from actor to director to technician- who is associated with a film has a responsibility towards the project. This film is beyond an intense love story. I consider myself lucky to pull this off.

(From L to R) Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi. Photo: Siddhant Chaturvedi/Facebook

Q (to Triptii): How was the exploration of playing a small-town girl despite not living that world in your personal life?

A. It's a huge responsibility to play such a role with honesty. Our director Shazia Iqbal helped us a lot in achieving it. We had done enough workshops for a week when we bonded with each other as well as completed acting-based exercises. The workshops were important because it provided confidence to go on shoot. Responsibility is a very important thing when it comes to playing this kind of a role.

Q (to both): What's the biggest takeaway from this film?

Siddhant: Resilience is something which I have learnt from my character in Dhadak 2. He is uncompromising. Nowadays people lack resilience and are often oversensitive. This character has reminded me of the unique ability to stay resilient, defiant and raise voice.

(From L to R) Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri in 'Dhadak 2' poster. Photo: Siddhant Chaturvedi/Facebook

Triptii: I think for me it's the courage that my character has. I don't think I have that kind of courage. She is a very fearless person and someone who speaks her truth even in difficult times. I don't think I have that. I wanted to learn that from my character and I am glad that I did. I could see a change in me at the end of filming.

Q (to Triptii): How do you place Dhadak 2 in your filmography?

A. This is a film which I am very proud of. I have had the opportunity in the opening years of my career to work in certain kinds of films which I had aspired to. But Dhadak 2 is very special to me. It was challenging but I was always keen to play such roles to keep the fun of acting alive.

Triptii Dimri. Photo: Triptii Dimri/Facebook

Q (to Triptii): Are you trying to strike a balance between mainstream and off-beat films?

A. I don't plan in that manner. I do not categorise any film. Every story and its characters are important. I have always tried to experiment with myself as an actor and play diverse characters because that helps me to grow.

(Photos: Siddhant Chaturvedi & Triptii Dimri/Facebook)