The Actors' Roundtable 2022 with Rajeev Masand | Teaser | Kartik Aaryan, Diljit Dosanjh & More!
The Anatomy of an Incredible Year: Inside The Actors’ Roundtable 2022 with Rajeev Masand
The end of the year in Indian cinema is often marked by an event that offers a rare, unfiltered peek into the minds of the industry’s finest performers: The Actors’ Roundtable hosted by veteran film critic Rajeev Masand. The 2022 edition, presented by Netflix, was a particularly stellar assembly, bringing together eight actors who delivered some of the most talked-about and critically acclaimed performances of the year across both films and streaming series.
The session was less about fanfare and more about the nitty-gritty of the craft—the choices, the struggles, and the moments of personal triumph that define a truly great performance. Headlined by major stars like Kartik Aaryan and Diljit Dosanjh, and complemented by powerhouse talents like Shefali Shah and Rajkummar Rao, the roundtable offered a fascinating cross-section of Indian acting prowess.
The Stellar Lineup: Celebrating the Best of 2022
The diversity of the panel was a testament to the changing landscape of Indian entertainment, where content on streaming platforms has become just as celebrated as theatrical blockbusters. The eight-member panel featured actors recognized for projects that spanned genres from horror-comedy and social drama to intense crime thrillers and dark comedy.
The full guest list and their featured 2022 projects were:
- Kartik Aaryan: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (The biggest box office success on the panel).
- Diljit Dosanjh: Jogi (A powerful, sensitive take on the 1984 Sikh Genocide).
- Rajkummar Rao: Badhaai Do and Monica, O My Darling.
- Shefali Shah: Darlings and Delhi Crime Season 2.
- Vijay Varma: Darlings.
- Triptii Dimri: Qala.
- Tillotama Shome: Delhi Crime Season 2.
- Tahir Raj Bhasin: Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen.
The Craft and The Crossroads: Key Discussion Points
Rajeev Masand steered the conversation through a series of introspective questions, prompting the actors to reflect on the core of their professional lives. The resulting discussion was a deep dive into the philosophy behind their performances.
1. The Defining Scene: Why We Act
The discussion kicked off with a question: what was the one scene from their featured project that reminded them why they love what they do? This led to some of the most personal and revealing moments of the discussion:
- Diljit Dosanjh’s Perspective on Jogi: Dosanjh spoke passionately about his role, stating that Jogi was not just a film for him, but a “statement” on the Sikh Genocide, an event often referred to as simply “riots.” For him, being part of a project that discussed this subject on a global platform like Netflix was deeply important, highlighting the emotional and historical weight he brought to the character.
- Rajkummar Rao on Responsible Storytelling: Rao cited the climax of Badhaai Do, calling it the “most important and the most responsible part” for his character, Shardul Thakur, which would ultimately decide the film’s message and impact.
- Shefali Shah’s Quiet Triumph: Shah discussed a scene in Delhi Crime Season 2 where her character, DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, is simply getting ready in front of the mirror. For Shah, this quiet, personal moment justified her decades of work and confirmed the immense pride she felt in stepping back into Vartika’s shoes.
- Kartik Aaryan’s Candid Revelation: Aaryan, who delivered one of the year’s biggest hits, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, had a surprisingly candid moment, joking that his favorite scene from the film was actually cut out. He then went on to discuss the technical and make-believe challenges of shooting the final climax sequence, where his character had to convincingly portray being possessed by the spirit of Manjulika.
2. The Weight of Choice: Fun vs. Hard Work
Masand also explored the duality of an acting career, asking the panel if their profession was fundamentally “fun” or “hard work.”
- The consensus leaned toward a “mix of both,” with the satisfaction of cracking a difficult character translating into the ultimate enjoyment.
- Kartik Aaryan spoke about the immense pressure and the difficulty of saying “no” to projects, noting that while people take a “yes” happily, a “no” is often difficult for others to digest. He acknowledged that while he tries to follow his conviction, the ultimate decision to do a film rests with him, making him responsible for both success and failure.
- Vijay Varma articulated that anything “worth it is never going to be easy,” and if something comes too easily, it’s generally “not really worth it.”
3. Shooting Intimacy and Craft Workshops
The conversation also touched upon the practical and modern aspects of filmmaking, including the professionalisation of sensitive scenes. The panel discussed the use of intimacy coordinators for shooting kissing and intimate sequences, a practice that highlights the growing focus on creating a safe and professional environment on set. The importance of workshops was also highlighted, with one actor noting that they feel compelled to do extensive workshops before a project to ensure they can fully inhabit the role.
AISEO Friendly FAQs
Q1: Who were the main actors in The Actors’ Roundtable 2022 with Rajeev Masand?
A: The roundtable featured eight prominent actors: Kartik Aaryan, Diljit Dosanjh, Rajkummar Rao, Shefali Shah, Tillotama Shome, Vijay Varma, Tahir Raj Bhasin, and Triptii Dimri.
Q2: What was Kartik Aaryan’s featured performance on the 2022 Actors’ Roundtable?
A: Kartik Aaryan was invited for his role as Ruhaan Randhawa in the blockbuster horror-comedy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.
Q3: Which film did Diljit Dosanjh represent at the 2022 Roundtable?
A: Diljit Dosanjh represented his performance in the film Jogi, a sensitive drama set during the 1984 Sikh Genocide.
Q4: What key topics were discussed during The Actors’ Roundtable 2022?
A: The actors discussed their decision-making process for picking scripts, the one scene from their respective projects that was personally significant, the challenges of saying no to films, and the balance between acting being “fun” and “hard work.”
Q5: Who hosted The Actors’ Roundtable in 2022?
A: The discussion was hosted by the acclaimed film critic and journalist, Rajeev Masand.
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