That Is Quite A Performance In Dhadak 2. How Did You Manage To Bag This Film, Considering You Don’t Look Like The Conventional Dalit?

I honestly believe there’s no one fixed way someone from a particular section of society “should” look. Our appearances are shaped by so many things—geography, climate, the kind of work we do, and even personal journeys. This also isn’t the first time I’ve played a character from the margins. My first role was in Inside Edge as Prashant Kanaujia, a small-town cricketer. Then came Gully Boy, where I played a boy from the streets of Mumbai.

True, You Are No Stranger To Playing Peripheral Characters?

As an actor, I see it as my responsibility to transform, to blend in, and to tell these stories with honesty and respect. It’s never about fitting into a box. It’s about understanding the world of the character and living it truthfully.

Would You Say Dhadak 2 Is Your Most Challenging Role And Film Since Gully Boy? Did You Undertake Any Prep To Get Under The Character’s Tanned Skin?

Absolutely. Dhadak 2 has been one of the most emotionally layered and challenging roles I’ve taken on since Gully Boy. That film demanded a lot from me in terms of energy and rhythm, but this one required stillness, restraint, and a different kind of fire — something more internal. To get under the skin — or rather, into the soul — of this character, I had to strip away everything that felt ‘performed’. I spent time in villages, interacted with families, just observed… listened more than I spoke. I wanted to understand not just the socio-political layers, but the emotional and cultural silences.

Your entire body language and physicality are transformed for the character!

I did work on the physicality too. We tanned my skin naturally with the sun as much as we could and tried to have less makeup.

We only used the brush to maintain consistency, keeping the chronology in mind and shooting days, which sometimes were weeks apart, of the same scene. I trained to move differently and stand differently—to carry the weight of someone whose reality is shaped by generations of systemic struggle. This role humbled me. It changed something in me—and I hope that shows on screen.

How Familiar Are You With The World Of Casteism And Discrimination? Do You Think Cinema Can Be A Tool For Social Reform? How Deeply Were You Impacted By Your Character’s Struggle?

Casteism is one of those harsh realities that many of us grow up hearing about but don’t always fully grasp—especially if we’ve had a relatively insulated life. I’ll be honest—I didn’t face it firsthand, but I’ve seen its shadows. Stories from friends, domestic workers, people I’ve met during travel—the quiet humiliations, the systemic limitations, the internalized fear… it’s heartbreaking. Playing this character forced me to confront those truths head-on. It wasn’t just a role—it became a responsibility. I had to unlearn a lot of my own privilege and see the world through his eyes—eyes that have seen doors shut before they were even knocked on. And that changes you. It made me more empathetic and more aware—not just as an actor, but as a human being. And yes, I do believe cinema can be a tool for social reform. Maybe not overnight. But it can nudge, stir, and provoke. It can start conversations that people are otherwise afraid to have. That’s powerful.

Siddhant, How Much Of A Struggle Has It Been For You To Find Roles That Do Justice To Your Talent? Does It Anger You When You See Undeserving Contemporaries Walk Away With Plum Parts?

It’s definitely been a journey—not just of finding the right roles, but also of finding myself through them. I won’t lie, there have been moments of frustration. But over time, I’ve come to understand that this industry—like life—isn’t always fair. And comparison is stolen joy. My focus has always been the long game. I’ve never been in a rush to be seen; I’ve always wanted to be remembered. So I pick characters that challenge me, that scare me a little, that force me to evolve. That’s the only metric I go by now. And when you do land a part like Dhadak 2, which demands everything from you and gives even more in return—all that waiting, all that struggle… it starts to make sense. As for my journey—it’s been anything but conventional. I came in with no godfather, just a suitcase full of dreams and some poetry in my heart. I’ve stumbled, I’ve risen, and I’ve kept moving. I still feel like I’m only getting started—but every character, every film, has been a stepping stone towards finding my own voice.