Debutant Dhruv Verma will be playing the lead role of skiing champion in first Indo-Polish Film, ‘No Means No’

Debutant Dhruv Verma will be playing the lead role of skiing champion in first Indo-Polish Film, ‘No Means No’ which will see a lot of well-known stars from India and Poland. The film is all set  to release in cinemas worldwide on the 5th of November, 2021. The young actor talks to us about the film and more…

When did you decided that you want to become an actor?

Acting was always my passion, I played the Role of Simba from Lion King at the early age of 6 and since then the passion has just grown. So I cannot really say I decided, but perhaps it’s more apt to say that my heart was always set towards the art of acting.

How has been the experience of sharing the screen with Polish actors?

The experience was wonderful. The Polish cast are extremely talented and Hard working. And what’s more is that they are very supportive of each other and even us in the working environment, which was unfamiliar to the Indian Crew at times.

How do you manage your personal and professional life?

To a large extent I believe that an actors professional life and personal life are somewhat interconnected, unlike other professions where you can make a clear distinction. For example, Horse Riding, is an activity which is close to my heart and also a skill development as an actor. I guess as the saying goes you just have to love what you do and everything else just falls into place.

Dhruv did you face any problem while shooting below freezing pointing Poland?

We shot in the pure winter, and on some days the temperatures were as low as -32degrees celsius. It was definitely a challenge to perform in such a temperature where your limbs go numb, and it’s hard to even stand. I remember once that after a day of shooting in the snow, all the hair on my head was frozen and I had to stand in front of the fire to thaw each strand of hair. But the production was also well equipped to deal with the cold and so everything went on smoothly.

How does the film highlight the sensitive subject of women empowerment?

This film in essence, brings out through its story, the inner power which a woman has and how because of the way society is, she is forced to repress that strength and project a “frail” and “fragile” image. But there comes a time when this power can burst out like a caged lion, when a woman feels her integrity threatened. And the title itself is a message which the world needs to drill into their head. “No Means No”

How was the Polish actress cast? How did you get her to deliver Hindi dialogues?

Like everyone in the film, the casting happened through Auditions. My co-actor is Natalia Bak and she is a very hardworking snd talented actor. Even for Hindi Dialogues, the speech coaches would help her to understand the phonetics of the word first, which she would pick up easily and then the proper pronunciation. She has delivered her dialogues very well. A funny story is that she would often walk up to a group of people who were speaking in Hindi and then tell them “Mai Sab Samajh Gayi” and give them the shock of their lives.

How do you feel about nepotism in Bollywood and if the industry is fair to ‘outsiders’?

At the foremost, the most straightforward thing I would like to say is, that the industry is not fair or unfair to anyone. Hard work is what pays off eventually, no matter where you come from or whom you know.  What I mean is that the industry doesn’t decide the fate or success of an actor, it’s the audience that does. If they accept someone then they will be successful and on the other hand if not, then they will most probably not be. And if an actor has worked hard then his hard work will bear fruit eventually.

Who’s your favourite action hero and action choreographer?

My favourite action hero in Bollywood is Mr. Sanjay Dutt and about an action choreographer, it’s hard to say because everyone has a different style which appeals to different kind of people.

Since you love to read books, who is your latest writer, whose books you have read?

The most recent book I read was Origin by Dan Brown and it was a very good read.

Would you like to work in films from the South or web series in future?

If given the opportunity then definitely it is something worth considering. Films from the South and web series both are doing really well now.

Are there things you want to do other than acting?

I think acting is the one profession where you get to do everything. One day you can be a doctor performing a complicated neurological procedure and the next day a palaeontologist being chased by a T-Rex. So no, there’s nothing else that I want to do other than acting. Because acting allows me to do everything.

Do you think OTT platforms have changed the game?

Not completely, since the traditional musical Bollywood films will, in my opinion always be enjoyed on the silver screen. They provide an escape to the audience and allow them to plan an outing, which especially in these Pandemic times is something that everyone is longing for. With that being said, OTT platforms have definitely made their mark and are putting out some amazing content as well as offering entertainment with the factor of complete convenience. So I guess we have to just find a good balance for both OTT and Cinemas to co-exist while keeping each other strong.

How much does she know about Indian culture?

Natalia has visited india 2 times and she is much aware about Indian Culture and she also respects it. She quite enjoyed all of our variety of food both sweet and spicy. Samosa was a favourite.

Poland is considered to be the backward state of East Europe, since you have seen Polish culture up and close, so what would you like to tell the audience about Polish culture and cinema?

I think No Means No, will break this severe Misconception of Poland being considered a backward country of Europe, simply because the people of india will be able to see the sheer beauty of the country and the humility as well as elegance of the people of Poland. The people of Poland are much like us Indians, marking their festivals, being family oriented and simple at heart.

You learned horse riding? How many times did you fall off a horse while giving your shot? How many times did you have to hold yourself up?

I’m proud to say that I never fell off my horse while giving a shot. Training on the other hand is a different story. I used to ride in Mumbai even in the rains, and the ground is very slippery, so my horse took a fall and took me down with her. That was the first time I fell off my horse and every real horse rider knows that it won’t be the last. But that’s part of the sport. About the second part, in horse riding you always have to hold your self up.

How has been the experience of sharing the screen with Polish actors?

Like I said before, Polish actors are extremely talented , hardworking And most importantly very cooperative. Every cast member would help each other out by being there to give cues, even when it wasn’t their shot. Everyone was involved deeply in the process of the film. I was fortunate to have shared screen space with Mrs. Anna Guzik, a veteran actor herself. Watching her perform courtroom drama scenes with Mr. Gulshan Grover was a masterclass in itself.