Deepak Dobriyal Exclusive! 'My expressions in 'Sector 36' interrogation scene were not manufactured'

With his remarkable portrayal of Ram Charan Pandey in the gripping thriller 'Sector 36', Deepak Dobriyal has proved once again why he is one of India's most versatile actors. 

In a candid and exclusive conversation with Mathrubhumi, Dobriyal shared fascinating insights into his creative process. He delved into the intricacies of preparing for the film's intense interrogation scene. He also delved into the dynamics of working alongside a versatile actor like Vikrant Massey.

From the challenges of bringing Pandey to life to the thrill of collaborating with a talented ensemble cast, Dobriyal's conversation offered a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the making of 'Sector 36', which is currently streaming on Netflix. 

Here are edited excerpts from the two-part interview:

'Sector 36' has received rave reviews ever since the OTT release. All aspects of the series have been appreciated. How are you feeling about this?

The response has been amazing; it almost feels as if it is my first-ever release. Wherever I am going, people are recognising me. For instance, I had gone for Ganapati Visarjan, and thought to myself that nobody would recognise me in the crowd. However, everyone, even delivery boys, started looking at me and saying, "Sir 'Sector 36', 'Sector 36'..." 

Eventually, I had to wear a face mask to hide myself. I have been receiving calls from every part of the world, including Russia and Australia. In fact, I have received so many messages since the film's premiere that I feel I will have to get my eyes tested.

What drew you to 'Sector 36', and how did you prepare for your role in the film?

The script was the primary reason why I chose to do 'Sector 36'. The story was written so beautifully and authentically that every actor would jump to be a part of it, no matter what the role is. I have been reading scripts for so many years now, but this one was such a water-tight script! 

When I read such good scripts, I automatically create a connection with it. When everything was written down so well in the script, and looking at how powerful the roles were, I knew that it will be great fun being a part of it.

Can you share your experience working with Vikrant Massey?

Vikrant Massey is a very dedicated actor. I have been following his work since 'A Death in the Gunj', and when I saw him in '12th Fail', I was like, "Bhai ne jhande gaad diye! (He has delivered)." Every time I see an involved actor who is passionately working on his craft, there is a sense of pleasure that I feel within me. Vikrant and I had different processes for our characters. We had met a few times earlier, but it was limited to exchanging greetings. When we met on the sets of 'Sector 36', I found him to be an extremely committed, involved, and sensitive actor. 

I still remember when we were filming the scene where I entered the residence of Bassi (a character in 'Sector 36'), an assistant director had hurt herself during the shoot. While others were asking her to clear the field, Massey was constantly asking her if she was ok. At that moment, it felt nice to see that despite playing such a crooked criminal's role, he did not let go of his sensitivity towards his surroundings. 

As an actor you tend to get an idea how sensitive the other person is. Also, despite being involved with things around, you do not let go of your sensitivity. I am also a person who absorbs whatever is happening around me. I have come to realise that we have a similar nature. We share the same will to do something different each time, just like how Massey thought of doing a role like that of Prem in 'Sector 36' right after '12th Fail'. 

As an actor, he explored himself and took the challenge of playing Prem, a role so negative that many wouldn't let you play it. He is a star! He is a person who knows how to experiment with his work.

What was going through your mind while filming the intense interrogation scene? How did that impact you?

The interrogation scene also shows the journey of my character, Ram Charan Pandey -- how he was suspended, how the accused who tried to kidnap Pandey's daughter is now sitting in front of him, and how casually Prem spoke about the crimes he committed while Pandey is still feeling struggling with his thoughts about what if he would had held him on the day Prem tried to abduct his daughter. 

There were thousands of things that were going on in my mind at that time. When Massey was narrating his dialogues, I continued to carry whatever thoughts came to my mind. There was no direct reaction but the expressions were enough to portray Pandey's anger, frustration, and shock. The expressions were not manufactured, but were exactly what I was feeling in that very moment while hearing it. 

I had decided neither to control my thoughts nor how I feel, while making sure that there is no loudness that is reflected in the acting. For instance, there was a moment when I felt like taking out the revolver and handing it over to the DCP (Baharul Islam), saying I might shoot him. But I refrained from doing that in the scene. 

I believe that sometimes it's good to not do something extra. I continued to act how I felt in that very moment, which, I believe, helped to uplift the scene.

Watch this space for Part-II of this exclusive interview...