Who could’ve imagined that a silent wife would also get to shine amidst a world of gore and machismo galore?
But Saumya Tandon managed exactly that with her brief but impactful part in Dhurandhar, proving yet again that when it comes to the silver screen, it’s never about the length of your part but what you do with it instead.
But ask the actor if she had expected such a response to her performance & she remains pleasantly surprised.
We caught up with her to talk about all things Dhurandhar and more. Edited excerpts:
Did you imagine that your small role in Dhurandhar would win you such massive attention?
Yes, it’s a small part but Aditya Dhar told me, ‘Don’t worry about the runtime. It’s a powerful role.’ He explained that while this woman doesn’t have many lines, her character would leave an impact. Dhar had seen my earlier work where I played characters in a lighter vein. He envisioned me in this role because he believed it would be interesting to see me in an intense part. Not in my wildest dreams did I imagine that it would get me so much love and appreciation!
What was the special part about working with Aditya Dhar?
There were no workshops as such as the film was already on the floors when I joined the cast. But Dhar did discuss the back-story before we shot the scenes. I do not come from a film family. I’m an outsider. He's one of the most successful filmmakers right now. What’s wonderful about him is that he doesn’t follow a set-up; rather he’s open about choosing someone, who can tell his story authentically. He’s honest and invested in his story. That’s why he got it right.
What about your co-star Akshaye Khanna?
Akshaye Khanna is a nuanced actor. We didn’t have many scenes together. But audiences loved the man-woman chemistry between us. People have loved the scenes where I light the cigarette for him silently urging him to seek revenge. Him planting a kiss on my forehead, the looks we exchange before the terrible and devastating moments in our lives... as husband-wife we shared an emotional, intense connection without saying much to each other.
He and I didn’t even have time to say hello to each other. But the moment the camera rolled it all felt organically real!
What's been some of the memorable feedback you've received for your performance?
Initially, when the film released, I was nervous about my small part. I asked my parents and my husband not to watch it. I feared they’d get disappointed. I was apprehensive regarding my fans too who’ve always seen me play the lead. In fact, when I signed the film my husband had remarked, ‘It could prove suicidal. You’re doing this powerful scene in front of an extremely talented actor. If you screw it up, you’ll be abused.’ If I hadn’t got it right, people would’ve butchered me left, right, and centre. But after watching the film my husband said, ‘I’m so proud of you.’ He sent me reviews where I was mentioned and praised. My mother watched the film three times for three consecutive days. I began receiving congratulatory messages from directors, producers… finally, I mustered the courage to go and watch it myself.
What are some of the special compliments you received?
Women have written to me saying, ‘We’re not looking for biceps or six- packs. We’re looking for deep emotions. That’s what your relationship is about.’ Some Pakistani women wrote, ‘You guys finally got us right. You’ve never been able to depict the women we are.’ Some have remarked they'd like to see my character's back-story in Dhurandhar 2. A director whom I admire said that I had great screen presence. It brought tears to my eyes.
What would you like to do next?
I hope more filmmakers and studios green-light movies where they don’t cast actors on the basis of ‘who’s who’ but who fits the part. Mature love stories are what we’re missing. I’m waiting for someone to call me for one. That’s what I’m manifesting for myself.
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