Dhurandhar 2 actor Danish Iqbal reveals what he had to go through to play Bade Saab
Danish Iqbal opens up about playing the role of Dawood Ibrahim or Bade Saab in Dhurandhar: The Revenge. He talked about the secrecy, intense preparation and tremendous response associated with his role.
since stalwart Released last year, fans were waiting for the answer to the big question: Who is Bade Saab pulling the strings of all terror against India? From Salman Khan to Emraan Hashmi, there was speculation as to which actor would play the role. And finally, when Dhurandhar: Revenge Hit the theaters, secret revealed! In the film, Dawood Ibrahim is called Bade Saab and actor Danish Iqbal has played this role.
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In an exclusive conversation with India Today, the actor shared that he is currently basking in the love the film and his performance are receiving.
‘I wanted to reveal it, but couldn’t’
“It’s absolutely amazing, especially because there was so much excitement about it. To be honest, there have been many moments in the last three months when I wanted to raise my hand and say, ‘I’m Bade Sir,'” he said, laughing. I wanted the world to know, but I was bound by my commitment.”
The actor said that he shot the film in 2024, with some scenes being shot last year as well. And while filming was a memorable experience, seeing herself in the role was a completely different experience for her.
Danish pointed out that many actors have played Dawood before, but it was not just about the looks; It was also about bringing my own flavor to the role. The actor further added, “You have to add your intensity, some small details… and I focused on that. I am a trained actor, and I understand how to handle these types of situations. And then, of course, Aditya sir was around, and under his guidance, I think we did a good job.”
on working together stalwart Team
He described Ranveer Singh’s performance as “amazing” and praised him. Iqbal said that he has seen Ranveer acting in films like padmavatAnd suddenly being on set with him was surreal.
He also praised Arjun Rampal and shared how the actor brings charisma and aura to the scenes. “Of course, being one of them is memorable, but honestly, when you become a character, you forget everything else. But they were all very nice, warm and very nice people.”
As for director Aditya Dhar, Danish shared that it is not easy to release such big films back to back. Describing him as a visionary, she said that he is also very secure and gives his actors the comfort and space to work creatively on their art. He further added, “He also does a lot of homework. He knows what he wants and is never influenced by what people expect from him. He is a very forward-looking person and has a great vision. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with him.”
separating personal beliefs from character
We also asked him how he keeps his politics aside when he is playing the role of a dreaded man like Dawood. To which, he shared that he had some apprehensions in his mind, because one has personal faith, and then that of an actor.
Danish said, “How do you differentiate them from each other? That was my doubt. And I realised, when I’m playing someone, it’s my reality, it’s my truth. And a character can have its own shadow, but as an actor, I can’t judge him. I have to accept his truth to play him well, and I think people liked that. He believes in what he’s doing, and that’s what makes him more dangerous. Makes it.”
We asked whether this clarity also helps him when he is signing a project stalwartWhose politics is clear. “Absolutely, I am an actor not a politician (I am an actor, not a politician). I have to play a character and make it interesting. This is my job. To be honest, I don’t believe in politicizing art. We are not going to set political agenda. Our job is to entertain the audience through the different characters we play.”
10 hours of preparation and physical challenges
Danish further explained about his character and how it took him 10-12 hours to prepare. He said that he used to reach the set first and start with make-up. And then due to getting up and down, he could neither eat nor move.
“It was almost like I was observing Ramadan months ago,” he joked, adding that he treated it as meditation and enjoyed every bit of it. And because he was playing the character of a dying man, he also had to work on his speech and voice. She said, “It was a challenge, but the opportunity of a lifetime. I’m grateful that people are enjoying it and sending me so much love.”
Dhurandhar: Revenge It is currently making waves at the box office.