In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Durgesh candidly discussed his industry struggles, his journey to securing the role in Panchayat, his battle with depression, and more.
People are really liking Panchayat 3. How are you feeling?
Yes, after such a long struggle, people are finally recognizing my work. Yesterday, a veteran actor from the industry called and congratulated me. Even Mr. Atul Shrivastav, a well-known actor, appreciated my performance. When I travel from Versova to Alamnagar, at least 10-12 people ask for selfies and tell me that I’ve done a good job. It feels great.
People are recognizing you now, especially because of your role in Panchayat. How did you get this role?
The casting director had auditioned me for the role of a qualified photographer in the first season. It was a day’s role. He asked, ‘Will you do it?’ I said yes. And fortunately, my role was appreciated by the audiences. When the second season was being made, I was hoping for another role, but wasn’t sure. Then I helped a friend with an audition, and the associate casting director, Gulshan, noticed me and offered me a 30-day role. It felt good to receive appreciation in the second season and even more in the third.
How did you feel working with Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav and Jeetendra Kumar?
The way young people receive love, that’s how I felt loved. Brother Jeetendra supported my improvisations wholeheartedly. These people took improvisation positively. The director created an environment for me to perform, and the writer penned good lines for me. We shot everything lovingly, like a family.
It was great experience with Neena ji and Raghubir ji. They are excellent actors and used to laugh a lot with my improvisations. They often asked for meanings and especially amusing in ‘Alhua meeting’ dialogue. Sometimes, people were surprised by my performances. They asked, ‘How did you do this?’ I explained that I’ve seen such characters in my village, so I drew from real-life experiences.
Your acting seems very natural. Did you always want to be an actor, or did you have other aspirations?
No, becoming an actor was never my intention. I was gearing up for engineering. I made a few attempts at it but couldn’t quite get through. My elder brother advised me against engineering, saying it wasn’t for me. He suggested I pursue theater instead. In 2001, I started my journey in theater, and by 2002, I had already performed in my first play, finding immense satisfaction in it.
I then pursued a career diploma and continued exploring theater, later earning another diploma from NSD. This journey brought me great fulfillment, leading to a fellowship at NSD where I conducted research. Following this, I joined a repertory company and worked there for a year. Then, through my friend Akash Dabas, I auditioned and landed my first film role in Highway.
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Your role in Highway was also appreciated. How was your experience working with Imtiaz Ali, Alia Bhatt, and Randeep Hooda?
It was a remarkable experience. It was Alia Bhatt’s second film, following Student of the Year. After the success of Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar, he approached me for the role. I was thrilled. Imtiaz Ali always emphasized keeping the performance natural and not overdoing it. To prepare for my role, I spent 10 days in the desert to grasp the dialect. Subsequently, I went without bathing for nearly 26 days and barely slept for two days due to the intense energy of the character.
Working under such pressure, you don’t live a conventional life. Imtiaz guided me meticulously, teaching me like an ABC, especially as it was a new experience in front of the camera. Alia Bhatt delivered an outstanding performance, and I had a memorable dance scene with her. It was enriching to interact with seasoned actors like Randeep Hooda on set, and the scenes turned out beautifully. That sums up my experience.
How did you get your role in Sultan?
Yes, I got Sultan through an open audition at Yash Raj Films. There were around 250-300 kids auditioning in line. I also auditioned but made a small mistake initially and didn’t get that role. Later, I re-auditioned and got the part.
Did you get a chance to talk to Salman Khan?
I didn’t get a chance to talk directly, but I remember his energy vividly. During one of my responses, he was just 10 feet away from us, observing. Seeing him in person, I realized his aura and presence as a megastar. It was a powerful experience for me as an actor.
I also worked with Sohail Khan, Arbaaz Khan in Freaky Ali. Sohail Khan was great to work with, and Arbaaz Khan was very supportive during the shooting. Nawaz Bhai (referring to Nawazuddin Siddiqui) was also supportive in the project.
You were also part of Laapataa Ladies. How was your experience with Kiran Rao and Ravi Kishan?
This was my second project with Ravi Kishan. There’s another film on Netflix where he plays a superstar and I play his assistant. I knew Ravi from that project. Regarding Kiran Rao, while shooting for Panchayat 2, I received an audition call for Laapataa Ladies and I got selected by the casting director. Ravi Kishan has a great sense of humor and he teased me a lot. Kiran Rao also challenged me to improvise and provided detailed guidance. After a 10-day workshop, we began shooting, and I enjoyed working with Kiran Rao immensely.
Are you getting more offers now?
Just a few days ago, I landed a 10-day role in an independent film that features many energetic actors. I’m juggling two jobs now, and I’m really enjoying the experience. I’m focused on doing my best and avoiding any issues that might affect my reputation.
How was your journey in Mumbai initially? Finding a place to live and meeting people can be difficult for newcomers.
After the NSD repertory removed me because I did Highway, I felt sad. I went back home and slept for a month. Then my friend Sukantra, who had moved to Mumbai, called and said, “Come to Mumbai. The repertory has let you go. What will you do now?”
I asked my elder brother for advice. He suggested I move to Mumbai. So, on November 7, 2013, I arrived in Mumbai and stayed with an older batchmate. At first, I stayed indoors, unsure of what to do. For three years, I lived off my savings, spending most of my time sleeping and thinking.
After three years of wandering, I decided to settle in Mumbai. I started socializing with influential people and taking any work I could find.
You mentioned being in depression when you got the role in Panchayat. What happened?
Actually, my father suffered a brain hemorrhage, and he needed expensive treatment. I was scared that I might have to leave Bombay to support him financially. Thankfully, he survived, but the stress of that time left me very anxious. When it happened again, it affected my mental and physical health because depression disrupts the body’s chemical balance.
I reached out to doctors, who prescribed some medications that I started taking. Honestly, during that time, I shot for Panchayat, Laapataa Ladies and Dedh Bigha Zameen.
The first time I faced depression was around my third year, coinciding with a romantic relationship that didn’t work out. I don’t drink alcohol, so I turned to smoking, which further impacted my health due to the nicotine. It was only later, with the guidance of my teachers and family, that I sought medical help to recover from feeling so low after that relationship ended.
Are things better now?
Yes, now I am 100% healthy. And I always stay in touch with my doctors. And they tell me that this is like diabetes. If you don’t stay healthy, then it will increase, decrease, increase, decrease. This is such a thing. So, I stay with a lot of cure. And I work on my body.
You’ve mentioned spending 3-4 years moving around in the industry. Was the road smooth after that, or did you face constant challenges?
No, it was very tough. I believed in the casting process to land roles, but directors and producers often didn’t understand what was happening. Big auditions would sometimes result in vague feedback, while smaller roles were dismissed outright. I’ve worked with Ranbir Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan Productions—I know my craft because I’ve dedicated 12 years to learning it. When things didn’t pan out, it was disheartening. But slowly, progress came my way. This journey is a lifelong struggle; I’m not 6 feet tall, don’t have a six-pack, and I’m not fair-skinned. Even Mukesh Ambani will not get a rich man’s role. That’s the narrative of my life.
Have you ever felt trapped by casting directors or producers, not getting paid for your work?
Yes, it’s happened many times. Let me tell you, those who pay rightfully are rare. To date, I haven’t received Rs 12,000 for Behen Hogi Teri. I had scenes with Abhishek Bachchan in The Big Bull, and those Rs 8,000 are still pending. I worked in an independent film called Sisters, yet the Rs 50,000 cheque hasn’t arrived. These incidents are part and parcel of an actor’s life.
What roles do you aspire to? Are there directors you hope to collaborate with?
I aim to showcase versatility in every role I take on. Whether it’s playing a reporter, an MLA’s assistant, or a village headman, I strive to bring something unique to each character. No one will hand me a wealthy man’s role now, but I’m ready to excel in whatever comes my way. Directors like Vishal Bharadwaj, Anurag Kashyap, and others have inspired me. Even though they’ve turned me down before, I’d love to work with them on challenging roles that bring joy and fulfillment.
How’s your financial situation now?
It’s challenging. People often put me in situations where I must save every penny. But I’ve made a firm decision—I won’t settle for less than what I deserve. If the job aligns with my values, I’m willing to go the extra mile. I’ve been in Mumbai for 12 years; everyone knows my dedication. It’s wrong to think I’d settle for 10,000-20,000 rupees when I’ve honed my skills for 12 years. Respect and fair pay should go hand in hand.
So, have you settled in Mumbai now?
Yes, I have a small house here in Mumbai. I’m single, and my family back in Darbhanga is keen on finding a match for me. I lead a simple life, and my entire family supports me.
Do they have any prospects in mind for your marriage?
Yes, my family is looking into it. They handle it back home. I’m just a regular guy, sir. In my 13 years of experience, I’ve learned that relationships are delicate. There are challenges, you know. People can be opportunistic here. Look at the examples out there—rich, beautiful people separating like Hrithik Roshan’s marriage. It’s tough out here in Mumbai.
