How Did Arjun Rampal Prepare for His Role as Rauf in 'Rana Naidu 2'?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rampal's commitment to understanding his character's journey is commendable.
- The influence of real-life experiences adds depth to portrayals.
- Creative collaboration with writers can change an actor's perspective.
- Emotional undertones are crucial for compelling performances.
- Binge-watching previous seasons can enhance understanding of character dynamics.
Mumbai, June 17 (NationPress) Actor Arjun Rampal is currently the talk of the town for his remarkable performance as Rauf in the highly anticipated second season of the popular web series, Rana Naidu.
Interestingly, Rampal needed some encouragement before committing to the role. Reflecting on this, the Om Shanti Om star shared, “Initially, I had my doubts. I wanted to grasp the character’s journey and development. Karan made me feel incredibly at ease. Then, I binge-watched Season 1, and everything—the writing, the acting, the emotional depth—fell into place.”
It was the creative discussions with the show's creators, Karan Anshuman, Suparn Verma, and Abhay Chopra, that changed Rampal's perspective.
Describing the essence of his character, the Rock On!! star remarked, “Rauf isn’t your average villain. He presents himself as a good person but then sends chills down your spine.”
After officially joining the project, Rampal was determined to portray his character authentically.
He delved into real-life experiences, learning some unsettling stories from gangsters.
“Some of the tales I’ve come across are unbelievable. One individual recounted how he spent a week hiding in a morgue to evade capture. It may sound outrageous, but that’s the reality—the underworld is not just dark, it’s surreal,” Rampal recalled.
On Friday, Rampal reminisced about how the Rana Naidu 2 team spent nine hours at his residence two years prior, which ultimately led to his involvement in the show.
He shared a behind-the-scenes clip on his Instagram, featuring himself and other cast members.
The video was accompanied by a heartfelt message: “Dear team Rana Naidu, it’s Friday the 13th June 2025. We are now in people’s homes. I want to take a moment to thank the entire Rana Naidu family, who, two years ago, came into my home and took nine hours of my life, leaving me contemplating this opportunity. It felt like my desires reached the divine.”
Rana Naidu 2 officially premiered on Netflix on June 13.