Actor Mustafa Ahmed says fans still think he is Rizwan of Dhurandhar 2
Actor Mustafa Ahmed spoke about fan reaction to his character, recalled key scenes and shared his dynamic with Ranveer Singh in an exclusive interview. He also opened up about how the blockbuster project came his way.
"I think I will probably have to change my name to Rizwan," laughed actor Mustafa Ahmed as he spoke about the love he's been receiving for Dhurandhar: The Revenge. The fitness trainer played an Indian spy and Ranveer Singh's aide while he was in Lyari on his secret mission.
Ahmed got to be part of some high-octane action scenes, and his camaraderie with Ranveer's Hamza/Jaskirat left fans asking for more. In an exclusive chat with India Today, the actor spoke about bagging the Aditya Dhar film, and the 'memes' and 'peak detailing' surrounding Dhurandhar.
'I am Rizwan for them'
"I was just taking a flight, and people walked up to me asking for a picture. They also told me how much they loved the movie and my performance. I am Rizwan for them, and it's a great feeling," he said with a smile, adding that people are even surprised to see him around.
"They look puzzled and ask me, 'Aap India kab aaye (when did you come back to India)? How come you travel in an auto?' It's hilarious and amusing to see what a film can do. People are so invested in all these characters."
We also got Mustafa Ahmed to answer two of the most burning questions around his character: why did Hamza give him his diary, and why did they pretend not to know each other when they met at Aalam's (Gaurav Gera) shop. We asked him whether there is a spin-off planned with Rizwan taking charge, or if there is more to the move.
With a chuckle, Ahmed said that he's been asked such questions since the release of the film. "I have people writing to me saying they want Rizwan to be their Indian Night Agent. After Hamza, he should complete the mission. They are so excited, hoping he kills all the enemies left on the list. It's really fun to read these theories and ideas, but it's all just fans dreaming wild."
The telepathic moment with Ranveer Singh
And what about Rizwan and Hamza's first meeting, why did they not acknowledge each other when they had trained together? Mustafa said it was rather a surreal moment when they shot it, and almost telepathic for him and Ranveer Singh. He said they didn't rehearse or speak about it, but both decided to play on the same emotions.
"We didn't want to make it obvious that we know each other. But eagle-eyed fans did notice that there is a small nod of the head when we shake hands. It was just so natural for us, and if I can take some credit, our performance was quite impressive," he said with a smile.
Sharing more about his favourite scene, the fitness expert-actor said that he had the most fun in the climax when he gets to use the machine gun. He also shared that his interaction with Hamza, where they both just bid each other farewell, was also special for him.
"We just exchange looks, and he hands me the diary. It was just very special, and as Ranveer put it, it was eight years in the making. While Hamza and Rizwan met recently, they have known each other for eight years. So as they part, all the emotions come forth, but without even a word," the actor said.
He further recalled how they had fun shooting the training portion, which was played during the credits. Ahmed said that they shot for about three days, but had been preparing for it for months. "And while pursuing becoming an agent, I think we also changed a bit. The way we walk or our stance, I realised it was different. You won't believe, I start looking out for extraction points when I enter somewhere. The level of alertness is so different," he said.
How Dhurandhar happened
On a final note, Mustafa Ahmed discussed how Dhurandhar happened to him. He shared that he was working with Aditya Dhar and expressed how he loved Uri: The Surgical Strike and his interest in doing something like that.
The actor said, "I think he took it very seriously and asked me to audition for Dhoom Dhaam. I played the part of Sunny in the film, and people liked my work. He then asked me to audition for this film, and it all worked out. But honestly, I took my time to say yes because it was such a big project, and I wanted to be sure about taking up the responsibility. But he encouraged me, and I was also confident about the genre, and so it all happened very seamlessly. And now, seeing the love Rizwan has been getting, I think I made the right choice."
Dhurandhar 2 has already crossed Rs 1500 crore at the box office in two weeks.