The film 'Dhurandhar', starring Ranveer Singh, has been receiving widespread acclaim, with praise extending beyond its lead actors to its entire ensemble cast. One performance that has particularly captured audience attention is that of Naseem Mughal, who plays Lulli. A specific and intense assault scene featuring Mughal and Singh in the movie's opening segment went viral, sparking curiosity about the actor behind the brutal role.
The Moment of Hesitation: Naseem Mughal's Initial Refusal
In a surprising revelation, Naseem Mughal admitted that he was so uncomfortable with the scene that he initially turned down the role. After reading the scene multiple times, he felt nervous and declared, 'This won't be possible for me.' Speaking to Filmygyan, Mughal explained that his apprehension stemmed not just from the scene's content but also from sharing the screen with a star he deeply admires.
"The truth is, I’m a huge fan of Ranveer sir. His energy, especially since ‘Padmaavat,’ has always been incredible," Mughal shared. "Somewhere in my subconscious, I kept thinking, 'He’s such a big star, how am I supposed to do this scene in front of him?'" This internal conflict led him to refuse the offer outright.
Finding Comfort: The Team's Support and Ranveer's Guidance
Upon learning of his hesitation, the 'Dhurandhar' team intervened. The filmmakers spoke to Naseem Mughal, addressing his concerns and helping him feel secure about performing the challenging sequence. The actor now expresses gratitude towards the entire team for their supportive efforts.
He also highlighted Ranveer Singh's instrumental role in making him feel at ease. Contrary to making light of the situation, Singh approached it with sensitivity. Mughal recalled a prior dhaba scene where Singh's behavior had already made him feel comfortable, causing him to wonder, "Am I really working with Ranveer?"
"He never makes you feel that he’s a big star," Mughal said. "The way he talks, he always hugs you first. That hug alone makes you feel comfortable." He added that Singh provided valuable guidance on set, discussing the character and offering gentle corrections to keep the performance on track.
Behind the Viral Shot: The Two-Take Scene
Naseem Mughal disclosed that the now-viral scene was completed in just two takes. The first attempt captured the character's lust and brutality but was deemed slightly excessive. For the second take, the performance was toned down to achieve the final, impactful version seen on screen.
Despite his initial fears, Mughal now views this opportunity as a significant milestone. "I had been searching for a moment like this for a long time," he reflected. "For the last 13 years, I was waiting for this moment in my life, when it would finally come." His journey from refusal to delivering a standout performance underscores the collaborative and supportive environment on the set of 'Dhurandhar'.
Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, assault, or abuse, please reach out for help. Contact a mental health professional, an NGO, or a trusted person. Several helplines are available to provide assistance.
