Vipin Sharma On Playing A Cross-Dressing Father In Dhadak 2: 'The Role Was A Familiar Territory'

News18

6 days ago

Last Updated:
Vipin Sharma calls his Dhadak 2 role 'very familiar territory' and opens up about connecting deeply with the film's themes of caste and marginalisation.
Veteran actor Vipin Sharma has always been one of the silent powerhouses of Hindi cinema. From his unforgettable performance as the emotionally distant father in Taare Zameen Par to his intense roles in Paan Singh Tomar, Gangs of Wasseypur, and Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, Sharma has carved a niche for himself with performances that are honest, grounded, and profoundly human.
In Dhadak 2, however, he treads new ground—while still remaining deeply rooted in emotional truth. Portraying Mr. Ahirwar, a cross-dressing father in a film that boldly addresses caste discrimination and social marginalisation, Sharma brings a delicate vulnerability to the screen. His portrayal is neither loud nor ornamental—it's the quiet heart of the film, offering perhaps its most emotionally resonant moment.
'The compliments I'm receiving for Dhadak 2 have truly surprised me," Sharma shares. 'The film is about discrimination—the struggles of the lower caste community being marginalised. My role in the film represents that struggle. I feel deeply connected to it because I've grown up in a similar environment."
Recalling a personal anecdote that mirrors the hesitation his character might have felt, he adds, 'It once took me three hours to gather the courage to walk into the Doordarshan office in Delhi, just to enquire about a 10-minute youth programme on Yuva Vani. That fear, that hesitation—I know it intimately."
When asked about his preparation for the role, Sharma reveals that it required no elaborate research or external references. 'This role was very familiar territory. I've lived this life, seen these struggles up close. What helped was being surrounded by filmmakers who are committed to telling important, authentic stories. It's been a privilege to be a part of some of the most significant films in Hindi cinema in recent times. I'm grateful to those who continue to trust me with such responsibilities."
Directed by Shazia Iqbal, Dhadak 2 follows Neelesh (played by Siddhant Chaturvedi), a lower-caste law student, and Vidhi (Triptii Dimri), an upper-caste woman, as they fall in love and battle a deeply ingrained, casteist society. A remake of the acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal, the film doesn't shy away from confronting uncomfortable truths. Also starring Zakir Hussain, Saurabh Sachdeva, and Deeksha Joshi, Dhadak 2 navigates themes of identity, systemic oppression, and the cost of love in a divided world.
Though initially scheduled for a November 2024 release, the film faced multiple delays—allegedly due to issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Now that it's finally reached the audience, Vipin Sharma's performance is being hailed as one of the most memorable—and quietly revolutionary—elements of the film.
First Published:
August 07, 2025, 19:27 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.