Deepak Dobriyal Exclusive Part II: 'I am a risk-taker; dialogue is last on my priority list'

Deepak Dobriyal's phone hasn't stopped buzzing ever since his latest film 'Sector 36' started streaming on Netflix. He has been garnering rave reviews for his performance in 'Sector 36'. In the first segment of the two-part exclusive interview, Dobriyal shared captivating insights into his artistic approach. He took us behind the scenes of 'Sector 36', discussing the meticulous preparation that went into crafting the film's gripping interrogation scene.

In the second instalment, the 'Tanu Weds Manu' star reflects on his illustrious career, sharing candid thoughts on navigating diverse roles, working alongside industry icons, and the challenges that come with each new character. We also catch a glimpse of the real Deepak Dobriyal beyond the silver screen.

Here are edited excerpts of Part II of the interview:

Looking back on your transition from Thapa in 'Maqbool' to your current role in 'Sector 36', what are your thoughts on your career progression?

When I get on to a new project, I am like a blank slate; I completely forget what work I have done in the past. It is in the memory of the public, and they keep appreciating my work. 

I feel grateful for the reception that I keep getting for my previous roles even today. But as an actor, I let go of any baggage of previous films or the compliments I have received, and start afresh. In fact, I don't even like to follow the process of my last film for the next project. 

I keep all these things aside. I don't see my journey; for me, every film of mine is my first work. I treat every film differently; all I try to do is to reach as close to the (new) character as I can, per the script's demand.

You have had an incredibly diverse filmography, from comedies like 'Tanu Weds Manu' to dramas like 'Omkara'. What drives your choice of projects?

If a role has been written differently, then I would love to perform it. There are many people who would categorise you saying, "I cannot see him as a boss... can't see him run a company... can't see him in a lover's role..." To them I say, "How do you know?" Everyone has a different way of expressing love. So when such people categorise, they do return to tell you that you did a good job. 

Some things I keep as angst. I am not adamant that I want to play a particular character immediately, but it will always be in my mind to play such a role, whenever it is offered to me. 'Jab aaega, tab aaega.. Tab tak aapke paas alag alag beej hai bohot saare. Abhi us beej ke liye mausam nahi aaya hai, lekin us beej ko sambhal kar rakhiye, aur uske baarein mein sochte rahiye. Jab uska mausam aaega, uske liye zameen milegi, tab lagaenge us beej ko' (It will come when it has to. Till then it’s like you have a lot of seeds, but the time is not ripe to sow them. So you hold on to them, and when the right time and conditions emerge, then you go ahead and plant them). And that is why, I don’t want to rush into things. So, if I get a script and it has a character that has been written with a different approach, then I go for it.

How do you adapt to playing vastly different characters?

It is a very challenging job. In the last four to five years, I have come to understand that the most prominent thing -- dialogue -- has dropped to the last in my priority list. I try not to read out or rehearse the dialogues till the last few days. Instead, I try to feel the genre of the film. 

My focus is to understand the film, the script, and the character's demand. The closer you are to the script and its environment, you will start picking things from your surroundings that will help you to perform better. I am a risk taker, and thus, if there is something new that excites me, I will grab the opportunity. I don't want to use borrowed words, rather, I would use my own thoughts and interpretation to bring a character to life. 

I put in a lot of hard work, but at the same time, I believe that your hard work should not be seen. If your hard work is seen in your craft, then it is not worth it. 'Craft ko aise nibhao ki woh feel ban jae. Agar craft, craft dikh raha hai toh woh gadbad hai' (Practise your craft in such a manner that it turns into a feeling. You cannot let your craft be seen just as a craft). What many are not aware of is that I practise for my character(s) all the time.

Rajju in 'Omkara', Javed Khan in 'Shaurya', Bhati in 'Gulaal', or Pappi in 'Tanu Weds Manu' -- your favourite character, and why?

Rajju in 'Omkara'! It wasn't just a role for me but I look at it as a philosophy also. Vishal (Bhardwaj) Ji made a struggling actor sit among the stars, and gave him a medium to showcase his talent to the world. Same is with 'Sector 36'. I have been acting for many years now but the kind of reception that I have got in the last few days, I am stunned! From my watchman to my old friends in Delhi, everyone has been calling me. 

It is the platform that makes you enter the hearts of the masses. And 'Omkara' was such a platform for me, credit for which goes to Vishal Ji. Therefore, 'Omkara' will always top my list. There are very few people who would make a young actor act alongside established stars like Saif Ali Khan and Ajay Devgn. I play all my roles with utmost honesty and sincerity, but 'Omkara' will always be special.

Do you think the industry undervalues character actors?

Earlier, cinema was very expensive. The film roll used to cost Rs 12,000. Supporting actors and junior artists didn't get a chance back then to commit a mistake. If you have taken more than three takes, then you will be kicked out of the movie. The insecurity in the supporting actors that travelled over time due to such reasons, made them do things that will get them an approval from the director. 

However, today, things have become digital and everybody has an opportunity. Camera roko toh, har koi achii acting karega. Pehle hota tha ki aapne line boli aur camera hat gaya (If you halt the camera, everyone can act well. Earlier, the camera used to move away once the line was delivered). If you go back in time, the supporting cast had very small roles to play. In those minor roles, they wanted to enact everything. 

I have also come from the same thought process that if the camera is rolling for three seconds, then show as much acting as you can. But today, with digitalization, we need to change. Today, we have the liberty to do that. In the last one-and-a-half years, you need to have at least one character that breathes life into a film or makes it authentic. 

There are 10-12 actors who have become very prominent lately, and are all character actors. So, the industry is giving due credit to character actors.

You have worked alongside fascinating actors like Irrfan Khan, Manoj Bajpayee, and Kay Kay Menon... Can you recall a memorable experience?

I have acted with these three, and none of them sat down with me to teach me about acting or spoke about it. Yet, you learn from them when you are working with them. Language cannot make you understand everything; it is very limited. 

I feel extremely blessed to have got an opportunity to act alongside these legendary actors. It was a wonderful experience. In fact, even while working with Ajay (Devgn) Bhai, he will never discuss anything about acting with you, but you still learn from him anyway. 

Having said that, I have learned so many things from these actors about how they perform. They are all masters of their craft. My guruji used to recite one of Sahir Ludhianvi’s couplets: "Le de ke apne pass faqat ek nazar hi toh hai, kyu dekhe zindagi ko kisiki nazar se hum." I come from that idea of thought. I want to express everything as per my feelings, my visuals, and my words.

What is Deepak Dobriyal like in the real-life?

I am a person who is very easily available for my family and friends. Anyone who is close to me has the right to scold me if I have done something wrong. They can meet me at any time of the day. Even today if my friends come on a bike and ask me to go to have tea with them, I will leave instantly. 

I have tried to be available for all my closed ones. They are also the ones who give me the most honest reaction to my work. I get lost in the crowd, I go to buy vegetables, wear slippers, walk alone on the roads, etc. 

In my personal life, I am a very normal person, leading a normal life. I am a person who gets extremely happy about smaller things, and can also get agitated over minor issues.