Amid a bustling and competitive Bollywood landscape, Rohan Gurbaxani, the emerging sensation, has carved out a niche for himself. The actor, whose debut year was lined with prestigious projects such as Made in Heaven 2, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023), and a cameo in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), is all set for new heights. His upcoming endeavors include the much-anticipated second season of Bandish Bandits and the sequel to the acclaimed drama Metro… In Dino, helmed by none other than Anurag Basu.
Rohan Gurbaxani’s journey, particularly his collaboration with Basu on Metro… In Dino, epitomizes the essence of a unique filmmaking style that steers clear of conventional methods. When Anurag Basu approached Gurbaxani via FaceTime to offer him a role, it was a testament to the director’s confidence in Gurbaxani’s potential and the foundations of trust that Basu famously builds his projects upon. Gurbaxani couldn’t help but be amazed by the offer, a sentiment felt by many young actors when a director of Basu’s caliber expresses faith in their abilities.
Gurbaxani recalls the intriguing absence of a script when commencing his work on Metro… In Dino, a move that might seem unorthodox to most but is quintessential Basu. This element of spontaneity stands as a testament to the director’s innovative approach. Working alongside seasoned artists such as Pankaj Tripathi and Konkona Sensharma, Gurbaxani realized the vital role self-belief played in navigating a set driven by improvisation and on-the-fly creativity.
The ensemble cast for this sequel to Life in a Metro (2007), which includes stars like Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Ali Fazal, additionally enriches the narrative backdrop Gurbaxani finds himself a part of. Basu’s reputation for spawning impromptu brilliance is not just a creative challenge for newcomers but also a radical avenue for self-discovery and professional growth. Gurbaxani likens his experience to the stretching of a rubber band, consistently pushing the limit of what he thought was possible.
The conversation that unfolded between the actor and the director is particularly telling of the confidence Basu places in his cast. When questioned about his selection without a script read, Basu simply said that he fully trusts his actors. This profound level of faith is reciprocal, as Gurbaxani and other actors commit to the scriptless process, yielding their talent unreservedly to Basu’s vision.
The collaboration between Gurbaxani and Basu exemplifies a cinematic relationship where directorial trust and actor flexibility merge to create art. It’s a dynamic that demands the actor to not just understand the character but to become the character, believing in their instincts to deliver authentic performances that truly resonate with the audience. This method of storytelling is not just an exercise in trust but a profound statement on the art of filmmaking itself.
Gurbaxani’s burgeoning career is indicative of the heights an actor can reach when there is a synergy between the director’s vision and the performer’s dedication—a sentiment that bodes well for his future roles. As Gurbaxani and Basu’s Metro… In Dino nears completion, it stands as a beacon of Basu’s compelling directorial style and Gurbaxani’s evolving artistry.
The film industry often hinges on predictability and structure, but Anurag Basu’s deviation from these norms paints a picture of what cinema can be when anchored in mutual respect and trust. It’s a refreshing perspective that doesn’t just churn out movies but crafts experiences, shaping not just the motion picture but the actors and storytellers themselves. Rohan Gurbaxani’s journey, thus far, affirms that a foundation built on trust can elevate the cinematic experience to uncharted territories.