In an industry often dazzled by star power, actress Gitikka Ganju Dhar has named a different kind of superstar as the highlight of her upcoming film, 'Dhurandhar'. For her, the biggest draw was not her A-list co-stars but the film's director, Aditya Dhar. The actress, who plays Shabnam Jamali, the wife of a Pakistani politician, in the spy action thriller, recently opened up about her instant connection to the project and her deep admiration for the filmmaker.
An Instant 'Yes' for Aditya Dhar
Gitikka Ganju Dhar's decision to join the cast of 'Dhurandhar' was remarkably swift. As she recalled in an interview, when the casting team mentioned the film was by Aditya Dhar, her response was immediate. "The casting team said, 'Dhurandhar by Aditya Dhar', and I told them, 'Don't even ask me, just say yes!'" she laughed. Her choice was driven entirely by the director's reputation and vision, bypassing any need for a second thought.
Working with Dhar lived up to her expectations. She described him as a director who is "centred and clear about what he wants." Gitikka explained his process: "Aditya explains thoroughly what one needs to do. After that, you have to deliver it with the energy he is looking for." This clarity and focus, she suggests, is a hallmark of his directorial craft.
A Shared Kashmiri Pandit Pride
The connection between the actress and director goes beyond a professional rapport. Both are Kashmiri Pandits, a shared heritage that adds a layer of personal pride to their collaboration. Gitikka expressed this sentiment openly, stating that she keeps telling Aditya Dhar "how proud they all are, as a community, of his craft as a director." This cultural and emotional bond underscores her experience on the film's set, making it distinct from other projects.
Bringing Shabnam Jamali to Life
In 'Dhurandhar', Gitikka steps into the shoes of Shabnam Jamali, a character she describes as defined by "wildness and a bossy presence." Portraying such a forceful persona required a powerful performance, a challenge she eagerly accepted. Sharing screen space with veteran actor Rakesh Bedi further pushed her to intensify her acting. "I knew I had to pack a punch," she said, emphasizing that in a high-stakes film, every element must excel for the project to truly succeed.
The film itself is a major cinematic undertaking. Helmed by Aditya Dhar, 'Dhurandhar' boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi in pivotal roles. It is a spy action thriller inspired by real events such as Operation Lyari and the IC-814 hijacking.
The plot follows Ranveer Singh's character, undercover agent Hamza, as he infiltrates the dangerous underworld of Karachi, navigating a web of gangs, politicians, and ISI connections. R Madhavan portrays intelligence chief Ajay Sanyal (a character echoing real-life figure Ajit Doval), while Akshaye Khanna plays gangster Rehman Dakait, and Sanjay Dutt features as SP Aslam Chaudhary. The narrative spans major terror plots, from Kandahar to the Mumbai attacks, with Hamza targeting criminal syndicates in the Lyari area.
For Gitikka Ganju Dhar, being part of this ambitious tapestry, under the guidance of a director she holds in such high esteem, has been a defining experience. Her journey as Shabnam Jamali is not just about playing a role but about contributing to a story rooted in real-world intrigue, led by a filmmaker who commands both her professional respect and communal pride.
