In conversation with Ankit Bisht, who shot to fame with his debut on silver screen with Dhadak.
Delhi to Mumbai
I was 17 and had cleared the foundation program of Chartered Accountancy and had just enrolled for IPCC first group when Gangs of Wasseypur released and after watching the film I was persuaded to give theatre a try. Once I started exploring I got to know about the National School of Drama (NSD) and after visiting the place I realized it was not a cake walk. I made my mind to join theatre when the Asmita Theatre Group came as bliss to guide me for the initial two years, followed by Prem Matiyani Productions where I was a part of mythological plays for 1.5 years. Later, I worked in Parsi plays under the mentorship of Heema Singh before I took the leap of faith to Mumbai after a learning struggle of 5 years.
Theatre to Cinema
Ankit Bisht, When you work for theatre, it’s all about being carefree and spontaneous, in TVC it revolves around expressions. Cinema as a vast medium is more about technicalities and continuity that you have to pick from a random space and pour in emotions, which is the biggest task to conquer.
First Experience
(Smiles) I guess it was good in the first place but later it became overwhelming when I realized that I have done something phenomenal as a professional. Once I came out of the room, it was like a flashback of how it all started with Wassepur and landed at watching myself on the silver screen. I genuinely felt a sense of achievement and said to myself that this is just the beginning.
Preparation Call
Before the film went on the floor, we did a two-month workshop to learn the local dialects and it was a scene-wise workshop that took place under the guidance of Shashank Khaitan. During the workshop only I realized that to let my work speak I have to understand the undertone and practical approach of the character and prepare myself accordingly. I was never in a rush to make myself look very prominent on the screen and I think that really worked for me.
Reel to Real
Ankit Bisht, In real life, I am more relatable to Shreedhar’s character, who is easy going, chilled and fun-loving. When this project started I think Ishaan (Khattar) took the first call of breaking the ice between all of us and we exchanged digits and started meeting casually for dinner and movies and that helped us a lot to bring in the chemistry on camera. The idea of living a character that you are not at all relatable in the real life is what made this film a special one for me.
New Age Series
I am all game for web series because it gives the character an ample time to evolve and that is what I love the most about this medium. It gives you a scope to play around and experiment with your character and I feel I am good at doing the same. I just hope to crack a deal soon and live it.
Say It
Dhadak to you is: A memorable journey
First Bollywood crush: Deepika Padukone
Your dream project: To work with Anurag Kashyap (sir)
One remake you wish to be a part of: Gangs of Wasseypur
Social media for you: Not an addict
A place you would like to discover: Solo-travelling Southern India
A dish you can cook: Maggi
Current song on your playlist: Dhadak’s title track
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