Danish Iqbal has shared an extraordinary behind-the-scenes account of his transformation into ‘Bade Sahab’ for Dhurandhar 2, revealing the grueling preparation, intense prosthetics, and immersive acting process that went into bringing the character to life. In an exclusive interview, he detailed how becoming the on-screen persona of Dawood Ibrahim required not just hours in the makeup chair, but a complete physical and psychological immersion into the role.
Nine Hours in Makeup
For Danish, the transformation began long before the cameras rolled. “If my shift was 7 to 7, I would be on set by 3 in the morning,” he said, describing the meticulous prosthetic process. Five to six people worked on him for nearly nine hours, applying prosthetics, blood effects, and complex makeup. The experience was physically exhausting. “You can’t breathe properly, you can’t eat anything once it’s done. You are sweating inside, you feel trapped,” he said. His meals were restricted to liquids, juice, and occasional dark chocolate for energy.
But for Danish, the real challenge began once the makeup was complete. “Once the look was locked, the real work started. Because then it is not about how I look, it is about how I exist in that body,” he explained. Rather than resist the exhaustion, he leaned into it, using his drained state to fuel the character’s presence and authority.
Observing Life to Build a Character
Danish’s preparation extended beyond the physical. He observed older individuals, people with medical conditions, and those with physical challenges to understand how someone might command a room despite appearing weak. “I was not chasing mannerisms. I was trying to find the spine of the character,” he said. Delivering long dialogues while maintaining authority in a physically restrictive costume proved to be his toughest task. “Even if I look weak, the people in the room should feel my power. That cannot be fake.”
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Secrecy and Trust on Set
The casting process was gradual, beginning with discussions about his physicality before moving to readings and prosthetic tests. Seeing himself in the mirror for the first time was a shocking moment of transformation. “I didn’t recognize myself,” he admitted. Danish also emphasized the importance of secrecy, noting that NDAs prevented him from revealing his role to family or the public until the right time.
Working with director Aditya Dhar required complete trust. “I never questioned his vision. It is his film, his world,” Danish said, highlighting the minimal yet effective direction that allowed him to focus purely on acting.
Reuniting with Ranveer Singh
On set, Danish experienced a special reunion with Ranveer Singh, whom he had first worked with years earlier in a theatre play based on Buddha’s life. “He was so full of energy even during rehearsals,” Danish recalled. Years later, meeting Ranveer again for Dhurandhar 2 reignited that same high-octane energy. “There was a pause, almost like a time lapse… and suddenly it clicked. He just went, ‘Oh my God!’”
Despite being the film’s biggest star, Ranveer remained collaborative and supportive on set. Danish praised him for being deeply involved, cooperative, and attentive to the comfort of everyone around him, maintaining the same spark and dedication he displayed during their theatre days.
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Dedication Meets Craft
From long hours in prosthetics to studying the nuances of human behavior, Danish Iqbal’s portrayal of ‘Bade Sahab’ reflects a rare commitment to craft. His experience highlights how physical transformation, observation, and collaboration with directors and co-stars like Ranveer Singh combine to create a powerful on-screen presence.
In an industry where change is constant, Danish’s journey from theatre to blockbuster cinema—and his reunion with Ranveer offers a compelling glimpse into the discipline, patience, and artistry that underpin a performance like Dhurandhar 2’s ‘Bade Sahab’.
