Director Siddharth P. Malhotra, best known for films such as 'Hichki', 'Maharaj', and the upcoming 'Ikka', has opened up about the contrasting creative processes of the actors he has collaborated with across his career — from seasoned stars to first-timers — offering a rare window into how India's leading filmmakers navigate the demands of diverse talent.

Jaideep Ahlawat: The Deep-Diver

Malhotra reserved particular admiration for actor Jaideep Ahlawat, describing him as someone who leaves nothing to chance before stepping on set. 'He wants to understand everything — the politics of the place, the climate, the social environment, the ideology, the backstory, the psychology,' Malhotra said. 'By the time he arrives on set, he's done all the homework. Then he becomes a wonderful director's actor because once the foundation is built, he's completely collaborative.'

The director's remarks underscore Ahlawat's reputation as one of Hindi cinema's most methodical performers — a quality that has drawn critical acclaim across his recent body of work.

Rani, Kajol, Kareena: Instinct Over Method

In contrast, Malhotra described Rani Mukerji as 'incredibly instinctive.' On the set of 'Hichki', she invested significant time understanding Tourette Syndrome and the character's inner world, but once emotionally aligned, preferred minimal rehearsal. 'Once she's there emotionally, it's often one or two takes and she's done something magical,' he said.

Kajol, he noted, operates on pure instinct — delivering intense performances on camera and switching off entirely the moment the shot ends. Kareena Kapoor Khan brings a similar spontaneity, though with a distinctly personal flavour: 'She'll surprise you with variations and instincts that are uniquely hers. There isn't a heavy method process, but there is tremendous confidence and star instinct.'

Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna and the Value of Trust

Sunny Deol, Malhotra said, brings an extraordinary degree of trust to the director-actor relationship. 'He would understand the scene, understand the emotional logic and then completely commit to the director's vision. That level of trust is a gift.' Akshaye Khanna, by contrast, demands clarity before committing — often delivering in one or two takes, but expecting the director to justify any additional ones. 'It keeps you sharp as a director because you need to have complete conviction in your choices,' Malhotra acknowledged.

He also highlighted Neeraj Kabi as a meticulous preparer who likes to know 'every line, every beat, every nuance before stepping onto the floor,' and actors like Tilotama Shome and Dia Mirza as performers who enjoy excavating character histories that may never appear on screen but quietly inform every moment.

Guiding Newcomers: A Director's Responsibility

Working with first-time leads brings an entirely different set of obligations, Malhotra explained. On 'Maharaj', guiding debutant Junaid Khan meant creating a protective environment as much as a creative one. 'Experienced actors know instinctively what to do and what not to do. A newcomer is still discovering that. My responsibility was to create an environment where he could succeed, highlight his strengths and ensure that he was presented in the best possible way.' He noted that similar care extended to Sharvari and Shalini in their respective projects.

What's Next: 'Ikka' on Netflix

Malhotra's latest directorial, 'Ikka', is set to stream on Netflix from 10 July 2026. The film adds another chapter to a filmography that has consistently placed character psychology at its centre — a philosophy the director's own words make abundantly clear. As he put it: 'The magic happens somewhere between preparation and surprise. My job is to create an environment where actors feel safe enough to explore, challenge themselves and take risks.'