Does Suniel Shetty See Himself as a Villain for ‘Dhadkan’?

Mumbai, July 28 (NationPress) Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has shared his thoughts on receiving the Best Villain award for his role in the romantic drama “Dhadkan.”

Despite earning critical acclaim for his performance, Suniel expressed that he does not see himself as a villain. He emphasized the emotional layers and motivations behind his character. In a recent interview with IANS during his show 'Hunter 2,' he reflected on how he was categorized as a villain in the film and even won the Best Villain award, but he never identified with that label.

Suniel elaborated, “In Dhadkan, I was termed a villain. I even secured the Best Villain award. However, I was never a villain in that film. Every action I took was rooted in love. Mothers always advise their daughters to marry someone who can love them more than they love themselves. That was the essence of Dev—it’s about perspective. The eyes see what they want, but the mind believes what it chooses. It all boils down to one’s viewpoint; it’s all about perspective.”

His portrayal of Dev in the 2000 film 'Dhadkan' is regarded as one of the highlights of his career. His intense depiction of a heartbroken lover who transforms into an antagonist garnered him significant appreciation and acclaim, leading to the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role.

Speaking on the significance of a formidable antagonist in storytelling, Suniel noted that a villain's role enhances the hero's journey. He stated that portraying a negative character isn't merely about being evil; it's about presenting a significant challenge for the hero.

“Consider who truly embodies a negative role? Someone who is often stronger than the hero. They must be formidable enough for the hero to ultimately defeat. When a new hero emerges, it requires a seasoned actor—someone who is grounded, experienced, and commands a powerful screen presence. As films expand, our perceptions of roles evolve. That's when actors are likely to take on negative characters, but it also hinges on the nature of the character itself,” he explained.

Suniel continued, “Take Dada (Jackie Shroff), for instance—his character in Hunter 2 might seem negative, yet there’s a positive aspect to it as well. You’ll grasp that only after viewing the film. Currently, it seems like a battle between two strong personalities, but both have their unique emotional stories.”

In the meantime, Suniel Shetty’s latest series, “Hunter Season 2,” directed by Prince Dhiman and Alok Batra, features Jackie Shroff as the antagonist. The series revolves around Suniel Shetty as ACP Vikram Sinha, who confronts the criminal underworld in a desperate quest to save his daughter.

Also starring Anusha Dandekar and Barkha Bisht in pivotal roles, the show premiered on July 24 on Amazon MX Player.