Rising actor Hirav Mehta is basking in the love that will come after ‘Dhurandha- The Revenge’ and ‘Dhurandhar’, where despite his limited screen time, his performance has impressed the audience. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Hirav, who played a BUF (Baloch United Force) Rebel in the film and is currently tagged as ‘India’s best driver’ in the viral meme fest, talks about working with industry stalwarts. Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khannaand Rakesh Bedidealing with nerves, and the lessons he’s learning going forward.How has the response been, both personally and professionally?Both professionally and personally. So let me tell you one thing, you know, the audience. They are giving me so much love and my character, the scene I did in the film, right? So it’s really awesome and I’m showering myself with all the love… So it’s a wonderful feeling. And also professionally, you know, I feel like I was able to make an impact not through a conversation, but through my emotions and my expressions, right? And for an actor, it’s a very big deal. So I feel truly blessed and happy.What was your first day on set like, especially with such an incredible cast?“When I came to know that I will be working in ‘Dhurandhar’ and I saw the names of the actors, I was like, ‘Oh my God, these are all legends’. Mr. Ranveer Singh, Mr. Akshaye Khanna, Mr. Arjun Rampal, Mr. R Madhavan, Mr. Rakesh Bedi… they are all like legends. So I was very nervous… will I do well? But the energy and the people on the set were very nice and very welcoming. All these giant legendary actors were very well received.I remember introducing Mr. Ranveer Singh in the morning. And later that night, in one scene, he shouted from behind the camera: “Let’s go Hirav!”… It was a wonderful feeling, that an actor of his stature remembered my name and cheered me on.”What were Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna’s biggest learnings?“It was like an acting masterclass. Seeing it on screen and acting in front of the camera are two different things. You learn a lot more. They make sure they deliver the way the director wants, and even after a perfect take, “Let’s do one more”. let’s try something different.’ The number of variations they can bring to a scene, that’s the beauty of their profession.’Any memorable moments with Sanjay Dutt?I had a viral meme as “India’s best driver” today. In that scene, we were in two separate cars and not even in the same frame. We shot on the same day but had different call times. I had an early morning call so I was about to finish my close ups and go back to my vanity and pack.Then I met Sanju Baba who was arriving. I immediately thought, “I can’t miss this opportunity to meet a legend.” So I decided to wait, no matter how long it took.I quickly came back, changed and went out again. After a while, Sanju Baba arrived in his car, got out, and there was that iconic driving style. It’s something that everyone immediately recognizes, it’s a legend.When he arrived… that walk, that presence, everyone knows. I was very nervous, but I gathered my courage and introduced myself saying: “I’m the one who crashed into your car.”And in his amazing style, he reacted… his eyes, his intensity. But when you talk to him, he’s a sweetheart. That moment will always stay with me.How was it working with Rakesh Bedi, someone you grew up watching?Mr. Rakesh Bedi has always been a legend. It was really remarkable to see him act in a film like ‘Dhurandhar’, so intense and completely different from the roles we have seen him many times. The way he approached his scenes showed how an experienced actor can bring tremendous versatility to his craft.That’s one big thing I learned from him. Even in such intense moments, the audience had the ability to laugh with his impeccable comic timing. I think that comes from years and years of experience.Being able to make people smile and enjoy the moment even in dire situations; that is the real beauty of his acting work.How did you ensure that your performance stood out and wasn’t overshadowed by such edgy?Of course, standing among such giants, the thought crosses your mind. But when I found out that I was doing this film, I was all ready – I said to myself: ‘I’m ready to act’.An actor has very few opportunities to really perform, and I was getting that opportunity in such a big film with such big names. So I didn’t compare myself or think I could match their level. I trusted my craft and focused on everything I had learned over the years. I kept at it, and the rest is history.How did director Aditya Dhar guide you on the set?Sharing the frame with such seasoned actors can be intimidating, but I must say Aditya Dhar sir made the whole process incredibly smooth. He is one of the most amazing directors I have ever worked with. The way he briefs his actors is so clear and precise that you know exactly what to expect from you.Because of this clarity, most of my scenes were completed in one take. This is because of how well it conveys the mood, intensity and emotional demands of a scene.What also stands out about him is his personality, he is very grounded and always calm on set. I have never seen him lose his temper. It is very welcoming and, above all, open to creative input.Even as a newcomer, if I suggested something, he would really consider it. He would either put it in or explain why it wouldn’t work. That openness makes a huge difference to an actor, especially when you’re just starting outDid you feel any pressure working with such talented actors?I thought to myself that I would definitely have to join their ranks. But I made sure I didn’t turn it into pressure. Because the moment you start taking that kind of pressure while you’re performing, it reflects in your performance.So I was reminding myself to be comfortable and give it my all: act with honesty, care and wholeheartedness. I thought that if I did that, everything else would fall into place.Have you created a link off-screen?I would say Mr Ranveer Singh. We didn’t get to interact much during the shoot, but during the screening and the after party, he hugged, danced and appreciated my scene. That meant a lot to me.Are you still in touch with the cast?“There is no formal team, but I am in contact with my actors, the members of the gang that you see in the film. We were together on the set, and now we celebrate the success of the film together.”Would you call this film a “one scene, many lessons” experience?110 percent. This film taught me how to absorb the audience’s love, how to hold it and how to handle the pressure while performing an important scene. It has taught me a lot.
