Actor John Abraham's political thriller, The Diplomat, premiered in theaters on March 14. The film received a mixed reception from viewers. Directed by Shivam Nair, known for Naam Shabana, it draws inspiration from the true story of Indian national Uzma Ahmad, who was repatriated to India in 2017 after reportedly being deceived by a Pakistani man. (Also Read: The Diplomat box office collection Day 4: John Abraham-starrer earns ₹14.80 crore)

Vidhatri Bandi, recognized for her performances in Jalsa and Shiddat, is also featured in the film. In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, she shared her experiences working on the project and discussed the challenges faced by outsiders in securing roles within the industry.

Vidhatri says the role was new for her

When inquired about how she secured the role, Vidhatri recounted, "I received a call from Jogi Malang. At that time, I was informed that another candidate had been shortlisted. I persisted and asked, 'Could I please audition for it?' Later, I learned that there were two significant shortlists. I met with Shivam sir, who explained that there would be several rounds of auditions. It's quite an amusing story, actually. During my audition, I was informed that the role was intended for a South Indian character. However, after my audition, it was changed to a Punjabi role. This was quite surprising for me, as I typically do not get considered for North Indian roles due to my South Indian appearance. Nevertheless, I met Shivam sir, we conducted an in-person audition, he appreciated my performance, and within a week or two, I received a call."

She also mentioned that she refrained from waxing for two months to fully embody her character. She expressed, "When the role transitioned to that of a Punjabi girl, I felt a bit anxious because I needed to portray a tomboyish and intimidating persona. This required me to alter my gait to appear less feminine. During our month and a half stay in Chandigarh, I took the opportunity to observe the local women. Each time we ventured out, I paid close attention to their demeanor and speech. One amusing observation that I incorporated into my character was the prevalence of body hair among many working women there. Unlike the societal expectation to remove hair at the slightest appearance, these women seemed carefree and self-assured. Inspired by their confidence, I decided to embrace this aspect as well. I distinctly remember not waxing for two months, allowing my body hair to grow, as I aimed to remain authentic to the character."

Vidhatri on how John Abraham inspired her

Talking about her biggest takeaway from John, Vidhatri said, "To be very honest, the amount of fun I had, it didn’t feel like a job. It felt like a masterclass on set. I would go on set and see Sharib Hashmi, Kumud Mishra, and watch them do their thing—it felt like I was getting paid to learn. My biggest takeaway from John would be his discipline. Watching him in his element every day… Even in this film, he has a different look, there is a tone of sarcasm. It’s so refreshing to see him do that in person. I never used to be in the vanity van; I chose to be on set even when I wasn’t shooting because watching them work was such a big learning experience. I felt like a student, just sitting there and soaking it all in. John inspired me in a way—he inspired me in terms of discipline and consistency. We all used to see him do that, and I was like, 'This is something else.' It changed my perception of how disciplined an actor should be and what consistency actually means."

Vidhatri on difficulty in getting good work as an outsider

Vidhatri expressed that it is challenging for newcomers to secure substantial roles, even after participating in projects like Jalsa, while still adhering to a realistic perspective. She stated, "From my viewpoint, I aim to showcase my capabilities as an actor. Naturally, I aspire to take on more significant roles and be considered for lead positions. However, I am pragmatic enough to recognize that achieving this will not come easily—I must demonstrate my worth. Many individuals believe that if they enter the industry, they should immediately land important roles. I did not share that belief. Even when the opportunity for Shiddat arose, I pursued it. My priority was to establish my presence in the industry. I have confidence in my abilities and understand that I will gradually ascend the ranks."

She further noted, “Following my role in The Diplomat, I have ceased to accept both lead and supporting roles. I have come to realize that unless I advocate for myself, such opportunities will not be presented to me. Up until Jalsa, I maintained a realistic outlook. I am aware of the challenges, and I committed to this path knowing it would be tough. I have mentally prepared for it. The year 2024 has been particularly disheartening for many, including writers, directors, and technicians. I take pride in being an outsider, as it enhances my appreciation for my journey.”

The Diplomat, set against the backdrop of India-Pakistan relations, delves into themes of diplomacy and the personal struggles faced by diplomats. The film features notable performances from Sharib Hashmi, Sadia Khateeb, Kumud Mishra, and Revathy in significant roles. Despite its festive release, the film experienced a slow start at the box office, accumulating ₹14.80 crore within four days.

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