In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, actor Navneet Malik opens up about his transformative role in the horror-comedy The Bhootni, where he channels the iconic energy of a young Sanjay Dutt. From sleepless shoots and sizzling chemistry with Mouni Roy to launching his own casting app and more
From his intense role in The Freelancer to playing the romantic lead in Heropanti 2, actor Navneet Malik is quickly emerging as one of the industry’s most versatile new faces. Now, he’s set to take things up a notch in The Bhootni, a horror-comedy that pairs him with Mouni Roy and casts him in a role inspired by none other than Sanjay Dutt.
Navneet plays a younger version of Dutt in his college days — complete with retro outfits, larger-than-life swagger and a romantic track that drives the emotional core of the film. “In The Bhootni, I get to play a young Sanjay Dutt — and that itself is such a thrill. The character draws a lot from Baba’s real-life vibe — his swag, body language and that unmistakable energy. You’ll see him in his college days, full of charm and attitude, with a romantic track opposite Mouni Roy. Their chemistry, how their relationship blossoms and the unexpected twists life throws at them — it’s all packed into the story.”
His look in the film, too, pays homage to Dutt’s debut. “Totally inspired by Sanjay Dutt’s iconic look in Rocky! Think retro cool — the hair, the outfits, the whole vibe,” he says.
For him, portraying such a legendary figure was both an honour and a challenge. “Honestly, it’s a massive honor — and also a big responsibility. Sanjay Dutt isn’t just a superstar; he’s an icon with a personality that’s larger than life,” he shares. Having grown up admiring Dutt’s style and energy, Navneet threw himself into the prep. “To bring even a version of Baba to life, even in a fictional setting, felt surreal. I knew I had to give it everything I’ve got — from getting his body language right to capturing that signature aura he carries.”
To prepare, he revisited Dutt’s early films, especially Rocky. “It wasn’t about copying him, but about capturing his essence — that raw energy and charm that made him such a heartthrob,” he says. On the romantic front, the chemistry with Mouni Roy added another layer to the character. “Our scenes are set during the college days, so the chemistry had to feel fresh, young and real. Mouni is such a natural performer — she brings so much grace and emotion to every scene.”
Their connection off-screen helped bring their characters to life. Navneet admits he had a few nerves before meeting her. “I wasn’t sure how comfortable the dynamic would be — especially with the kind of closeness those scenes often require. But right from our first interaction, all those doubts vanished. There was an instant sense of ease between us, which made working together feel very natural.”
Praising her as a co-star, Navneet adds, “She’s incredibly versatile and no matter the genre or format, she gives every role her all. What I personally admire is her discipline — she’s punctual, focused and extremely professional.”
Recalling the moment he landed the part, Navneet says it was director Siddhant Sachdev who first pitched him the idea. “He mentioned a role inspired by Baba’s iconic Rocky days and I was instantly hooked. From that moment, I threw myself into the prep — his walk, his style, his energy. It wasn’t just about imitation; it was about honoring his legacy.”
Navneet was particularly nervous on the first day of shoot — with Sanjay Dutt himself present on set. “That made my nerves shoot through the roof,” he laughs. “But slowly, I began to feel the shift — my body language changed; my mindset aligned with the character. Even Baba and the crew noticed. That validation meant everything.”
While The Bhootni is rooted in horror-comedy, it also dips into fantasy and superhero elements. “It wasn’t just emotional and romantic scenes, but also a physical and larger-than-life performance. Compared to my past projects, this role demanded more prep, more layers and definitely more heart.”
The shoot schedule was no joke either. With most scenes shot at night — around 70% of the film — Navneet found himself juggling grueling hours. “I was juggling another project during the day, so there was a stretch where I worked almost 72 hours non-stop — barely sleeping, just catching short naps in between,” he reveals. But the dedication paid off — so much so that he even requested an expanded role from the director. “And he actually did! That just shows how special this project was for me.”
As someone who’s constantly looking to push boundaries, Navneet is now eyeing full-fledged action films. “I’ve always wanted to do a full-throttle action film — something in the zone of those larger-than-life South Indian blockbusters. I’d love to take on a rugged, intense character — someone who makes a powerful entry in slow motion, owns every frame and brings raw energy with every move.”
Asked why audiences should catch The Bhootni, Navneet doesn’t hesitate: “It’s a fun mix of horror and comedy — a genre that’s super fresh and in demand right now. It stars Sanjay Dutt in his first-ever horror-comedy, which is a big draw in itself! The cast is packed with talent — Mouni Roy, Palak Tiwari, Nick, Asif and I in a completely different, positive role. It’s got laughs, scares, romance and loads of entertainment.”
The film is written by the vibrant trio Notanki, Vani and Coach and directed by Siddhant Sachdev — both of whom Navneet credits for creating something bold and exciting. “It’s a total paisa-vasool film — something new and exciting for everyone,” he promises.
Beyond the screen, Navneet is also stepping into the entrepreneurial space with Starnex, a casting app he co-founded. “The idea came from my own experiences in the industry,” he says. “Starnex is a platform where aspiring actors, models and artists can create detailed profiles and showcase their work, while casting directors and filmmakers can discover fresh talent with just a few clicks. The goal is to make the casting process more streamlined, transparent, and accessible.”
As for what’s next, Navneet teases several exciting conversations. “I’ve been in talks for a potential collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan sir and there’s something in the works with Ajay Devgn sir as well,” he reveals. “Interestingly, the writer of Animal has also approached me for a negative lead — possibly in a project that might involve Shah Rukh sir too.”
