Kamal Ghorui
In an industry where visibility often defines success, Vikramm Bhambri’s journey is a quiet yet powerful reminder that recognition can come in the most unexpected ways. An IT professional who balanced boardrooms with film sets, Vikramm Bhambri stepped into the world of cinema with Aditya Dhar‘s ‘Dhurandhar’ starring the energetic Ranveer Singh in the leading role as Hamza Ali Mazari aka Jaskirat Singh Rangi, portraying Shakeel. While his screen time may have been limited, his experience was anything but small, marked by moments of self-doubt, silent victories, and an unexpected encounter that changed everything. In a candid conversation with ETimes, Vikramm shared his experience of handling success, his first day of shoot experience, his rapport with Ranveer Singh, and much more.Dhurandhar 2 Movie ReviewHow is life treating you post the success of ‘Dhurandhar’?Post the success of ‘Dhurandhar,’ it’s amazing and still sinking in. At the time of the audition, they told me that this is Aditya Dhar sir’s project. Obviously, they didn’t tell me the name. They just said it’s a very big cast and that they are shortlisting me for a character. So, I gave the audition. After that, because I have a bit of an IT brain, I started researching. I found out that Aditya Dhar sir is making a massive project with a star cast like Sanjay Dutt, Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal… all these names. No one from the casting team gave me any information, but when I figured it out, I was very happy from within. Still, I kept that happiness to myself and thought, “You have given the audition; now let the result come.” Then in September-October, the result came that I had passed with flying colors. That moment was such that I was in the office, and even though people say you shout with happiness, I couldn’t do that. I had to keep it inside. I called my parents and shared my happiness with them. It was a very special feeling.
When did you realize that your role as Shakeel, though small, was impactful?When we were shortlisted, they told us that my character’s name is Shakeel Commando. At that time, I felt it sounded like a terrorist-type name. But then I told myself, at least I have a name, and I am not an extra. In theater, we learn that if your character has a name, it means you have an important role. Later, when we started working, we were told we are gang members; we are with Ranveer. That felt really good. But when the film released, I didn’t see as much presence and visibility as we had shot. When I watched Part 1 with my parents, I felt very sad. Every actor wants visibility, so I felt unsettled for a couple of days as many of my scenes, which we shot, were chopped off, maybe due to some unavoidable reasons. But that was very disappointing for me. My parents kept telling me to be thankful, but the heart doesn’t always listen. Then something happened; on the second day, a delivery person came and said, “Sir, I saw you yesterday… you are in ‘Dhurandhar,’ right?”That moment changed everything. I became the happiest person. After that, I didn’t think about my scenes being cut. I was just happy to be associated with such a big project. There are 100 things to be grateful for, and I am enjoying the success.How was your experience working with Ranveer Singh and such a big star cast?Oh, the experience was beautiful, very, very beautiful. On Day 1, I was standing in front of stalwarts like Akshay sir and Ranveer bhai, and I was speechless. I didn’t even know how to say hello. For the initial couple of days, I didn’t interact. I had scenes with Akshaye sir, but I couldn’t say even hi! To him, he was always quiet and in himself on the sets. But then once after finishing the scenes, Akshaye bhai smiled at me; that was when I shook hands with him. After that, we became very friendly. He is Punjabi, and I am Punjabi, so we spoke in Punjabi and spoke about Amritsar and many other topics. He is a very beautiful person. What should I say about Ranveer Singh? His aura is so strong that you feel scared, and it makes you think, Will I be able to match his energy? But one incident changed everything. A photographer was clicking BTS pictures of him, and he called me, “Vikramm, sir, come click pictures with me.” He addressed me as “sir”! That broke all hesitation. After that, I started calling him Ranveer bhai. He has been a gem of a person. On my birthday, he sent a bouquet to my home with a beautiful note. I am deeply grateful for that. He even replied to me on Instagram once, though I am an ordinary person, and he took that time for me. How can I not love him?
Did you receive any advice from your co-stars?I don’t think there was direct advice. Everyone was at such a level that their energy matched. But appreciation was definitely there. I remember one scene in Part 2, where I had to give a dialogue cue in a noisy foundry. I spoke loudly, and after the cut, Ranveer bhai came to me and said, “Your voice is very good.” That meant a lot. He is very appreciative and a true gentleman, very meticulous in his work.The film is quite intense. What was the atmosphere like on set?No one worked under pressure. There were a few intense moments; for example, I heard about a scene involving the 26/11 recordings, which were around 45–46 minutes long. That must have been emotionally very heavy for those involved, I am sure.But otherwise, I didn’t feel an intense atmosphere. Even when I wasn’t shooting, I used to go to the set because that is my happy place.Of course, during takes, everyone was in sync with the tone of the film. It’s not a comedy, so actors performed in a serious, character-driven zone.What about ‘Dhurandhar 3’? Would you like to explore more of Shakeel?Whatever Aditya Sir would want me to explore, it’s his baby; he knows best. But as per the news, he is not keen on making Part 3. Even if there are loose ends, sometimes stories are left open for the audience to decide. I believe he has kept it that way. Rest, who knows?You balanced a corporate job and acting. How was that journey?It has been a very beautiful journey of one and a half years. I am still working in the corporate industry, so managing both is a bit tedious.I used to carry my office laptop to shoot locations and attend calls and meetings whenever I had time. Interestingly, very few people on set knew about my corporate job, and no one in my office knew about my Bollywood project.Now, after the film, my seniors feel proud. They tell people that one of their employees worked in ‘Dhurandhar.‘ For me, that is like an Oscar or any other award moment to get that kind of respect.
