Arjun Rampal Wanted to Shed His Dhurandhar Role as Brutal ISI Major Quickly, Say Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar

Actor Arjun Rampal , known for his powerful on-screen presence, has spoken candidly about the challenge of portraying a brutal ISI major in the action film Dhurandhar. According to insights shared by his co-star Ranveer Singh and director Aditya Dhar, Rampal found the role so intense that he was eager to step out of the character as soon as the cameras stopped rolling.

Directed by Aditya Dhar and headlined by Ranveer Singh, Dhurandhar required Rampal to embody a complex and intimidating antagonist. The emotional weight and violent nature of the character were starkly different from Rampal’s real-life personality, making the role particularly demanding. Playing a hardened intelligence officer meant immersing himself deeply into a dark mindset, an experience that took an emotional toll on the actor.

Ranveer Singh recalled that the atmosphere on set often mirrored the seriousness of Rampal’s character. He shared that Rampal frequently expressed a desire to shake off the role immediately after completing a scene. Singh added that Rampal’s dedication to authenticity made his performance impactful, even as the actor felt a sense of relief when distancing himself from the character’s harsh traits.

Director Aditya Dhar highlighted Rampal’s professionalism and commitment while discussing the actor’s approach to the role. Despite the psychological difficulty of playing such a menacing character, Rampal delivered a performance that aligned seamlessly with the director’s vision. Dhar emphasised that his willingness to push through discomfort significantly enhanced Dhurandhar’s dramatic intensity.

Members of the film’s cast and crew observed that portraying dark and aggressive roles can be emotionally draining, especially when an actor must sustain a threatening presence throughout long shooting schedules. Rampal’s remarks about wanting to exit the character resonate with a broader discussion in cinema about managing the mental and emotional strain of playing antagonistic roles.

Fans and industry insiders have responded positively to Rampal’s honest admission, applauding both his performance and his transparency about the challenges involved. His portrayal has emerged as one of the standout elements of Dhurandhar, adding depth to the film’s intense narrative and strong character dynamics.

The film’s reception has highlighted how actors navigate demanding roles that push them beyond their comfort zones. Rampal’s experience serves as a reminder that while deep character immersion can be creatively fulfilling, it also demands considerable emotional resilience.