Shreyas Talpade, the actor known for his impressive range and nuanced performances, joins us for an exclusive conversation about his latest projects, his approach to acting and the future of Indian cinema
From delivering side-splitting comedy in Golmaal to embodying the intensity of a cricket coach in Iqbal, Shreyas Talpade’s career has been anything but predictable. A master of both humour and drama, he’s made a mark across genres, seamlessly transitioning from light-hearted roles to more nuanced performances. Now, as he takes on the formidable role of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Emergency, directed by Kangana Ranaut, Shreyas is set to leave audiences stunned once again.
Shreyas Talpade, credits his theatrical roots as the cornerstone of his career. “Theatre groomed me as an actor and a person,” he shares, reflecting on how it transformed an “under-confident guy” into a self-assured artist. From understanding discipline and teamwork to shaping his body language and perspectives, his foundation in theater set the stage for his cinematic journey.
Going further, he delved into his portrayal of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the upcoming Emergency, directed by Kangana Ranaut. He describes the challenge of embodying such an iconic personality, balancing his own research with the director’s vision. “It was about following her conviction and ensuring I did justice to the character,” he explains, eager for audiences to witness the result of their collaborative effort.
Despite setbacks and criticisms surrounding Emergency, he remains focused on the bigger picture. “What matters is teamwork and delivering our best,” he remarks, highlighting the resilience of the cast and crew amid delays. “Setbacks are tough, but they’re not impossible to handle,” he reflects, speaking about the challenges faced by Emergency. Despite delays, the team has remained united. “We’ll face it together and emerge stronger. At least, that’s what we’re hoping for.”
The film, which delves into a controversial period of Indian history, encountered issues flagged by the censor board. These concerns were addressed by the production team. “Kangana is the right person to elaborate, but as far as I know, all issues have been resolved and certification was granted again,” shares the Om Shanti Om star.
“It’s demotivating to see a film repeatedly postponed. But, as I mentioned earlier, it was beyond our control. Had it been up to us, we’d probably be celebrating the success by now. Instead, we’re still talking about the release. It’s tough, especially when you’ve invested time and effort into promotions, only for everything to be halted just days before release. The financial losses are significant, too. But now that we have a new release date, we’re all gearing up to give it our best shot,” enthuses the Welcome to Sajjanpur actor.
When asked about the message the film conveys, he added, “Everyone will take their own message from it. We’re presenting a factual story about that period and how each viewer interprets it is up to them. Our job was to tell it as truthfully as possible.”
Striking the perfect balance between humour and authenticity is no easy feat, but for Shreyas Talpade, it’s all about embracing the art of comedy with seriousness and sincerity. “Anyone can do tragedy, but comedy is serious business,” he reflects, citing a timeless piece of wisdom. The secret, he believes, lies in approaching humor with honesty and innocence. When done with heart, comedy feels natural. However, when forced, it can easily fall flat. “You’ve got to immerse yourself in the situation, let the moment flow, and trust the timing,” he says. Drawing on his extensive theater experience, he has fine-tuned his comedic timing, learning to read the room and deliver with finesse. He even points to legends like Akshay Kumar, who, with his sharp instinct and flawless timing, has mastered the craft of making us laugh effortlessly.
His comedic genius lies in his ability to deliver lines with utmost seriousness, creating humour without even trying. As the Golmaal fame shares, “When you do comedy, you do it seriously.” His craft involves remaining true to his character, never letting the comedy outshine the integrity of the role. “You have to stay in character, stay true to the situation and perform with seriousness and honesty,” he explains. Drawing inspiration from seasoned actors, he continually hones his skills, learning from those who’ve mastered the art of comedy. He reflects on working alongside actors like Akshay Kumar, who, despite their humorous roles, approach every line with sincerity. “It’s about doing it with innocence, not forcing it,” he adds, emphasising the importance of being authentic.
Theatre, for him, has been a critical teacher, helping him fine-tune his comedic timing. “The moment you start taking your audience for granted, that’s when it all falls apart,” he says. “Comedy works when you approach it with honesty.” And it’s this honesty that resonates with audiences, whether on stage or on screen. He takes immense pride in knowing that his work has brought smiles to people’s faces. “It’s a great feeling when people relate to a character you played, when they recognise you, even in a random place like an aircraft,” he says, clearly enjoying the connection with his fans.
When asked about quirky habits, Talpade chuckles, admitting that he doesn’t know of any, though his co-stars might have a different story. He mentions a simple pre-show pooja as part of his routine, but beyond that, he’s focused on bringing his best to the screen, time and time again.
On the future of Indian cinema, it has big dreams. “The goal is to make your country proud,” he says, reflecting on the legacy of greats like Amitabh Bachchan, whose discipline and work ethic continue to inspire him. “I want to be remembered for contributing something to the industry, whether it’s one piece of work or many.” He admires how Bachchan’s influence has shaped his generation and admits that elements of the legend’s style are present in his own work, especially in roles like the one in Pushpa. “There’s something of Mr. Bachchan in that role,” he shares, with a touch of reverence.
Looking ahead, he remains eager to explore new horizons, both in acting and in different genres. “I like to keep experimenting, whether it’s theater, television, or films,” he says. His latest project lineup, which spans various sequels and franchises, offers an exciting mix. “It’s interesting how some of my upcoming films follow a sequence, from Mufasa to Housefull 5,” he laughs, appreciating the patterns that emerge as he journeys through his career.
For aspiring actors, his advice is simple yet powerful: “Just keep working. You never know which opportunity will strike gold.” Reflecting on his own breakthrough in Iqbal, where he started with a small role that eventually led to the lead part, he emphasises the importance of seizing every opportunity. “You never know which film will give you the recognition you deserve,” he says, recalling his rise from Iqbal to Golmaal and Pushpa. His journey reminds us all that success is often found in unexpected places. “You just have to keep going, keep experimenting, and stay true to your craft,” he concludes with a smile.
