When Abhishek Banerjee walks into a room, it’s like the scene just shifts. This guy has made audiences laugh, squirm, and everything in between. But in VEDAA, Banerjee takes on a role that’s intense, gritty, and deeply rooted in social issues. I recently sat down with Abhishek to talk about the challenges, inspirations, and the surprising personal reflections that came with this role. Spoiler alert: he brings more of himself to his characters than you’d ever guess.
Diving into the Role
In VEDAA, Banerjee’s character faces complex societal dynamics, and when I asked if he brought any personal experience to the role, he didn’t hesitate. “I come from an upper caste,” he explained, “and growing up, I heard stories about caste and politics.” He touched on how the societal hierarchy and biases embedded from childhood almost normalized these structures until, like he said, “you realize how silly it is.” VEDAA gave him the chance to dive into a theme many would shy away from, proving this movie isn’t your average Bollywood entertainment.
Banerjee praised the production team, acknowledging the guts it took for creators like John Abraham, Nikhil Advani, and ZEE5 Global to push for a story that dives deep into social discourse. “It’s not just about making a statement,” he said. “They knew this had to be entertaining and thought-provoking.” He believes VEDAA strikes a balance, delivering an impactful message while making audiences think without being preachy. It’s a fine line, but Banerjee and the team managed to walk it.
Working with John Abraham and Shavari Wagh
Talking about his co-stars, Abhishek Banerjee gave a glimpse of the chemistry that drives VEDAA. He described an “unsaid rule” between him and co-star Shavari Wagh: no eye contact during intense scenes. “I’d observe her from afar,” he said, noting that she’d listen to music to get into character. Banerjee admired her dedication, saying, “It’s like she was in the film completely.”
Banerjee didn’t hold back on his admiration for John Abraham either. “John sir is one of the kindest,” he said. Banerjee admitted to feeling nervous facing such a seasoned actor but appreciated John’s patience and supportive nature. “He’s sharp, always there to help his co-stars,” he added. For Abhishek Banerjee, working with John was as much a lesson as it was a collaboration, especially given the film’s heavy themes.
The Physical Challenges of VEDAA
Every actor has their battle scars, and Banerjee’s VEDAA journey is no exception. One intense scene called for him to take on an oversized stuntman—a moment that didn’t go quite as planned. “He jumped on the wrong shoulder, and I got injured,” Banerjee laughed, “but we kept shooting.” Despite the physical toll, Banerjee approached each action scene with a grin, ready to tackle whatever the director threw at him. This physical resilience isn’t new to him, but it definitely added to the grittiness of his performance in VEDAA.
Banerjee’s Evolving Craft
Abhishek Banerjee has played various characters, from comedic to sinister, but he mentioned that he always keeps his roles “close to home.” “It’s like a mix of my personality and the character,” he shared. For VEDAA, he brought an intensity that made his performance stand out. He also credited previous roles, like Paatal Lok, for giving him a boost in the industry. According to him, every few years, a project like VEDAA comes along that pushes him to a new level.
Banerjee reflected on how challenging it was to balance the role’s darkness with the relatability that makes VEDAA so compelling. He considers this role a true test of his abilities, especially as a “mainstream antagonist,” where he had to keep the audience’s focus entirely on his character’s journey.
Final Thoughts
By the end of our conversation, it was clear that Banerjee’s experience on VEDAA was transformative. “I’m excited for everyone to see this,” he said, and honestly, I’m excited too. VEDAA isn’t just another Bollywood movie; it’s a bold step in tackling sensitive issues through cinema, and Banerjee’s dedication shines through in every frame. For those who think Bollywood’s all fluff, get ready—VEDAA just might change your mind.
