Sandeepa Dhar will soon be seen in Imtiaz Ali’s Dr. Arora. It will premiere on July 22 on SonyLIV. It is helmed by Sajid Ali, and Archit Kumar.
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What was your reaction when the show was offered to you since it is based on sex problems?
Forget sex problems. Firstly, it’s an Imtiaz Ali show. I was blown away since, for every actor, it’s like a dream to work with him. I tested for the show, and for about a month, there was no development, and eventually, I forgot too. While I was in Puducherry for a family vacation, I got a call from his production house, and Imtiaz loved my screen test. He spoke to me over a video call.
Besides being lucky, were you intimidated by Imtiaz Ali?
I was blank. In fact, I thought it was a prank call initially. I felt whether I would get the show or not, but I was happy that Imtiaz liked my test, and he knows me now as an actor at least. I thought I won Oscars that day! I was super nervous, and I kept looking at him throughout the video call. It was very intimidating, but he was so grounded, sweet and warm.
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Imtiaz’s brother has helmed the show. Did he give his Midas touch on the sets?
A lot of it happened before we got on the sets. I did many readings together with him and Archit (co-director), but he wasn’t there on the sets since Sajid and Archit co-directed the show. Mithu, my character, is his favourite character from the show. Since I was constantly told this, I felt a lot of pressure. He is a great producer and knows when to give the director freedom.
To play Mithu was taxing and challenging but at the same time, it was creatively a satisfying journey. Of course, I had to change myself to play Mithu and internalise so much. For an actor, it is rewarding that the makers are happy with what they wanted from me. I hope audiences will like it now too.
Dr. Arora has set a benchmark for you. How do you see your journey ahead from hereon?
I want to do a feature film with Imtiaz now. I have been a very content actor. If I have justified myself while picking up a project, then I don’t regret it if it doesn’t work. I stand by my choices. I am just glad that I am in a position where I can work with people like Imtiaz.