Nikitin Dheer, widely recognized for his antagonist roles in Bollywood, has opened up about the challenges he faced as a character artist. In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, the actor shared his unpleasant experience while working on the Hrithik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai starrer Jodhaa Akbar. Nikitin, who portrayed the villain Sharifuddin Hussain in Ashutosh Gowariker’s epic film, confessed that the experience was so disheartening that he questioned his career choice.
Struggles During Jodhaa Akbar Shoot
Nikitin Dheer described his time on the set of Jodhaa Akbar as a tough period in his career. He explained, “As an artist, I didn’t have fun working on the film. It was a very bad experience for me, to the point that I told my father that I’d entered the wrong line, and that I’d rethink my life.” Despite his dedication, including extensive training in Urdu and physical preparation, he faced numerous issues, particularly with the production team.
Dubbed Over Without Notice
One of the most frustrating incidents for Nikitin involved the dubbing of his character. He recounted how he flew back from Istanbul specifically for the dubbing sessions, only to find out that another actor had been chosen to dub his part without any prior notification. “I must’ve made 90 phone calls to figure out what the plan is, but nobody from the production answered my calls,” he said. This lack of communication and respect left him feeling angry and disillusioned.
Career Highlights
Despite the setbacks on Jodhaa Akbar, Nikitin Dheer has built a successful career in both television and film. He made his acting debut with the TV show Dwarkadheesh Bhagwan Shree Krishn and appeared in popular series like Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 5, Naagarjuna – Ek Yoddha, Ishaqbaaz, and Naagin 3. His Bollywood debut came with Jodhaa Akbar, followed by notable roles in Dabangg 3, Chennai Express, and Sooryavanshi.
Current Role in Shrimad Ramayan
Nikitin is currently playing the character of Raavana in the TV series Shrimad Ramayan. This role adds to his repertoire of strong and impactful characters, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Despite past challenges, Nikitin continues to make his mark in the entertainment industry, earning appreciation for his dedication and performances.