Hirav Mehta Soaks in Audience Love After Breakthrough Performance in 'Dhurandhar'
Emerging actor Hirav Mehta is currently experiencing a wave of appreciation following his impactful roles in the films 'Dhurandha- The Revenge' and 'Dhurandhar'. Despite having limited screen time, his performance has deeply resonated with audiences, creating a significant connection that has propelled him into the spotlight.
Overwhelming Response to a Powerful Performance
In an exclusive conversation, Hirav Mehta, who portrayed a BUF (Baloch United Force) Rebel in the film and has been humorously dubbed 'the best driver in India' in viral memes, shared his thoughts on the overwhelming response. "Professionally and personally, the audience is giving so much love to me, to my character, and to the scene I performed in the film," Mehta expressed. "It is really very overwhelming, and I'm just soaking in all the love. It's a wonderful feeling."
He emphasized the professional significance of his achievement, noting that he managed to create a substantial impact not through dialogue but through raw emotions and expressions. "For an actor, this is a huge deal," he stated, "and I'm truly feeling blessed and happy about it."
First-Day Jitters and Welcoming Legends
Recalling his initial experience on the set of 'Dhurandhar', Mehta admitted to feeling intense nervousness upon learning he would be working alongside industry legends. "When I saw the cast names—Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi—I thought, 'Oh my God, these are all legends,'" he shared. "I was really very nervous, wondering if I would be able to perform well."
However, his anxieties were quickly alleviated by the welcoming atmosphere on set. "The energies and the people were so nice and welcoming," he recalled. "All these huge legendary actors were incredibly approachable." A particularly memorable moment occurred when Ranveer Singh cheered him on during a scene. "He shouted from behind the camera, 'Let's go Hirav!'" Mehta recounted. "It was such a wonderful feeling that an actor of his magnitude remembered my name and was encouraging me."
Masterclass in Acting from Industry Titans
Working closely with Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna proved to be an invaluable learning experience for the young actor. "It was like an acting masterclass," Mehta described. "Seeing them on screen versus watching them act in front of the camera are two completely different experiences. You learn so much more."
He observed their meticulous approach to their craft, noting how they consistently aimed to deliver exactly what the director envisioned. "Even after a perfect take, they would say, 'Let's give one more, let's try something different,'" he explained. "The number of variations they can bring to a single scene truly showcases the beauty of their craft."
Meeting Sanjay Dutt: A Legendary Encounter
One of Mehta's most cherished memories involves his encounter with Sanjay Dutt, which occurred during the filming of the now-viral 'best driver of India' meme scene. "We were in separate cars and not even in the same frame," he clarified. "We shot on the same day but had different call times."
After completing his early morning close-ups, Mehta learned that Sanjay Dutt was arriving and decided to wait for the opportunity to meet him. "I thought, 'I can't miss this chance to meet a legend,'" he said. "So I waited, no matter how long it took."
When Dutt arrived, his iconic presence was immediately felt. "That walk, that presence—everyone recognizes it instantly," Mehta described. "I was very nervous but gathered courage to introduce myself, saying, 'I'm the one who crashes into your car.'" Dutt's reaction, characterized by his intense eyes and signature style, left a lasting impression. "But when you speak to him, he's such a sweetheart," Mehta added. "That moment will always stay with me."
Learning Versatility from Rakesh Bedi
Working with veteran actor Rakesh Bedi, whom Mehta grew up watching, was another highlight. "Rakesh Bedi sir has always been a legend," he affirmed. "Watching him perform in an intense film like 'Dhurandhar', which is completely different from the roles we usually associate him with, was truly remarkable."
Mehta was particularly impressed by Bedi's versatility and ability to inject humor even into serious scenes. "That's one big thing I learned from him," he noted. "Even in intense moments, he could make the audience laugh with his impeccable comic timing. I believe that comes from years of experience."
Navigating Pressure Among Stalwarts
When asked about the challenge of standing out alongside such established actors, Mehta acknowledged the initial thought but emphasized his mindset. "Of course, the thought crosses your mind when you're among such giants," he admitted. "But I told myself, 'I am ready to perform.'"
He focused on trusting his craft and the lessons he had accumulated over the years rather than comparing himself to others. "An actor gets very few opportunities to truly perform, and I was getting that chance in such a big film," he explained. "I simply focused on everything I had learned, and the rest is history."
Guidance from Director Aditya Dhar
Director Aditya Dhar played a crucial role in making the experience smooth and productive for Mehta. "Aditya Dhar sir is one of the most amazing directors I've worked with," he praised. "The way he briefs his actors is so clear and precise that you know exactly what is expected."
This clarity resulted in most of Mehta's scenes being completed in a single take. "He explains the mood, intensity, and emotional requirements of a scene exceptionally well," Mehta added. "He's extremely grounded, always calm, and very welcoming. Most importantly, he's open to creative inputs, even from newcomers like me."
Managing Pressure and Forming Bonds
Despite feeling pressure to match the level of seasoned actors, Mehta consciously avoided letting it affect his performance. "I kept reminding myself to stay comfortable and give it my all—perform with complete honesty, focus, and heart," he shared. "I believed that if I did that, everything else would fall into place."
Off-screen, he formed a special bond with Ranveer Singh. "We couldn't interact much during the shoot, but during the screening and after-party, we hugged, danced, and he appreciated my scene," Mehta recalled. "That meant a lot to me." He also remains in touch with his co-actors from the film, celebrating their collective success together.
A Transformative Experience
Reflecting on the overall experience, Mehta described it as profoundly educational. "110 percent, this film taught me how to absorb audience love, stay grounded, and handle pressure during important scenes," he concluded. "It has taught me a lot and will undoubtedly influence my journey forward in the industry."
