Actor Mridul Sharma, who made his debut in the negative role of Jai Singh in "Delhi Crime" -- based on the gruesome 2012 Delhi gangrape case -- says he struggled to connect with the on-screen character since he hated him personally.
In the Richie Mehta directorial, Mridul plays one of the rapists.
Sharing the initial hesitation of performing such a dark and negative character, Mridul told IANS: "It was a challenge to play this character... At the beginning of my career, playing a character who has done a dirty work that is a shame on humanity.... I was worried about my future, about my image, to be introduced to the audience with the portrayal of such character.
"I personally hated him, so I was initially unable to get involved with this character."
The Netflix show's story revolves around the aftermath of the heart-wrenching incident.
Its cast, including actors Adil Hussain, Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal, Rajesh Tailang and Denzil Smith, has been praised.
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Asked if working with such senior actors was tough, Mridul said: "I was working with one of the world's best director at the time of the 'Delhi crime'. So I will not be able to tell which scene was difficult to shoot. But yes, there was a scene in which my co-actor had to spit on my face, and that was a little uncomfortable."
Mridul, who comes from Chhattisgarh, always loved watching films and thought about becoming a 'hero' in Bollywood movies.
"Since childhood, there was only one desire -- to become a hero. But when I came to college and studied acting and drama, then the difference between actor and hero came to be understood.
"Then I caught the path to becoming a good actor," said Mridul.
How is life after 'Delhi Crime'?
"The show has given me a very good place to be established as an actor in this industry. People now know me as a good actor and give me respect. After 'Delhi Crime' released, some people have started to offer me a good role.
"As an actor, my self-respect and self-confidence have also increased. One of my movies is coming in June and I will start working on a web series and a movie too," he said.
--IANS
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