Roles like Dharavi Bank’s Mahesh challenges me to do better: Freddy Daruwala

What was your reaction to your role when it was offered to you.
Initially, I thought that I was going to do another role in the Dharavi Bank but, when I met Samit (the director), he thought I should essay the character of Mahesh. The manner in which he narrated the story and the arc of this character being one of the most pivotal journeys in the series convinced me to take up this part. Mahesh is the only character in the show that undergoes a zero to 180 degree change which was exciting to portray! A character with a super backstory and the motive is always my first choice and Mahesh is exactly that!
 
Describe your role and your preparations for it.
Mahesh is an architect which was not difficult for me to portray as some of my best friends are architects but his mental state is very volatile when he learns of certain revelations about Thalaivan. And, that was a huge challenge for me as I had to literally get into the skin of this character and train my mind to release the emotions that Mahesh was experiencing. Sometimes, such characters can really take a toll on the actors and that is exactly what happened with me while enacting Mahesh. However, playing Mahesh gave me a certain freedom that I didn’t know I needed and that was very surreal.
 
Your experience working with Suniel Shetty and Vivek Oberoi
Suniel Sir and I don’t have many scenes together but Vivek and I got along very well on the sets. We had worked together a few years ago and we took off from where we had left off. While he’s a thorough professional, he's also a very warm and extremely supportive co-actor.
 
What according to you is unique about Dharavi as a settlement area and what was your experience of shooting there?
Dharavi is an iconic spot in the world and the spirit of Dharavi is unmatchable and the way the local residents function is amazing. It is not an area or a place but it’s a feeling that one must experience at least once in their lifetime. Despite being underprivileged, they are some of the warmest and most affectionate people I have met in my life.
 
What is your favorite category of roles? What are future plans?
This year, I’m all set to surprise audiences. I’m playing roles that not only challenge me but can also bring out the talent that’s stored within me. I don’t like to restrict myself or my talent. I’ve been a victim of typecasting and my upcoming projects will not only break that mould but will help showcase the versatility that I can bring to the table. Mahesh is one such character and I’ve been receiving a lot of encouraging texts and calls after people saw my performance. I’ve tried to be as honest as I could to the role of Mahesh and it’s manifesting on the screen so seamlessly.
 
Your favourite co- star/ scene from the series and why?
So my favorite scene is with my co-star Bhavvna Rao (Deepa) where I’m confessing and telling her about Mahesh’s relationship with his father and how he had certain impressions about his father in the storyline. There were a few lines in the middle of the scene, when I started crying because I was feeling his dilemma in the deepest corner of my heart and the lines seemed to echo within me as if they were mine. The scene turned out to be one of the most beautiful scenes of the series and it touched Bhaavna so much that even she had teary eyes and that made the scene even more beautiful. It was one of my most vulnerable performances.