In a surprising revelation, actor Naseem, who played the memorable role of Lulli in the blockbuster film Dhurandhar, has confessed that he initially refused to shoot a pivotal and sensitive assault scene with lead star Ranveer Singh. The actor admitted to being "very nervous" and intimidated by the prospect of performing such a scene with a superstar of Singh's stature.
Overcoming Intimidation on Set
In a recent interview with Filmygyan, Naseem detailed his initial reaction upon reading the scene where his character, Lulli, attempts to sexually assault Ranveer Singh's character, Hamza, in Karachi. "When I read the scene, I said I won't do it. After reading the scene, I was very nervous. I am such a big fan of Ranveer Singh. I was also thinking that he is such a big star, how will I do this with him?" Naseem shared. His apprehension was so strong that he informed the film's assistant director of his inability to perform the scene.
Ranveer Singh's Reassuring Intervention
The situation was resolved thanks to the direct intervention of Ranveer Singh and director Aditya Dhar. According to Naseem, Ranveer Singh personally called him before the shoot to ease his anxieties. "Ranveer sir called me and he spoke to me," Naseem recalled, crediting the entire Dhurandhar team for the love he is receiving for his performance. He emphasized how Singh's down-to-earth nature and infectious energy made him feel instantly comfortable, stripping away the hesitation of working with a major star.
Naseem elaborated on Singh's supportive behaviour on set: "He doesn't make you feel like you are working with a star. He comes in with such great energy and he gives that energy to his co-actors also. He is very down to earth. The way he hugs you… He immediately makes you feel comfortable." Singh also provided crucial guidance, helping Naseem stay true to his character's brutal and lustful nature during the filming of the intense sequence.
The Scene and Character Impact
The scene in question required two takes. Naseem explained that the first take appeared "a little too brutal," so they toned it down for the second, final version. His character, Lulli, a member of Babu Dakait's gang, leaves a lasting impact early in the film. Lulli's actions, including the assault on Hamza and his responsibility for the killing of Rahman Dakait's son (played by Akshaye Khanna), become a crucial plot device that connects Rahman's storyline to Hamza's journey.
Naseem's performance, despite his initial fears, has been widely noted in the film, which has become the most successful Hindi film in India. His candid admission highlights the behind-the-scenes dynamics and the supportive environment that can be crucial for actors, especially when dealing with challenging and sensitive material alongside established stars.
