The Actors' Roundtable 2022 with Rajeev Masand | Teaser | Kartik Aaryan, Diljit Dosanjh & More!
The Year of the Performer: Inside Rajeev Masand’s Actors’ Roundtable 2022
The end of the year in Indian cinema brings not just a flurry of awards but also the much-anticipated intellectual sparring of the actors’ and actresses’ roundtables, hosted by veteran film critic Rajeev Masand. The 2022 edition, streamed on Netflix, was a landmark discussion, bringing together a cross-section of the industry’s finest performers who delivered career-defining work that year.
Far from a casual chat, this roundtable solidified its reputation as a serious exploration of the craft, featuring a mix of powerhouse mainstream stars and critically acclaimed artists. The teaser promised a riveting conversation, but the full hour delivered a masterclass on the emotional labour, creative choices, and sheer joy that goes into the life of a modern actor.
The Stellar Lineup: Bridging Commercial and Critical Success
The hallmark of the 2022 roundtable was its diverse and compelling cast, each member celebrated for a project that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. Host Rajeev Masand curated a group that perfectly reflected the varied landscape of Indian storytelling, from big-screen blockbusters to gritty streaming content.
The eight actors seated at the table were:
- Kartik Aaryan (Bhool Bhulaiyya 2): Representing the highest-grossing Bollywood film of the year, Aaryan spoke about navigating the pressure of carrying a commercial success while maintaining sincerity in his performance.
- Rajkummar Rao (Badhaai Do and Monica O My Darling): A perennial favourite on the roundtable, Rao discussed the challenge and responsibility of playing a complex, layered character in a socially relevant film like Badhaai Do.
- Shefali Shah (Darlings and Delhi Crime S2): An acclaimed veteran, Shah’s inclusion highlighted her phenomenal year, showcasing her versatility across a black-comedy film and a hard-hitting police procedural series.
- Diljit Dosanjh (Jogi): The celebrated Punjabi superstar offered a unique perspective on his emotional role in a film based on the 1984 anti-Sikh violence, emphasising its importance as a “statement” rather than just a film.
- Vijay Varma (Darlings): Varma’s performance as the abusive husband Hamza was one of the year’s most talked-about, and he contributed with his insights into playing a grey character with unsettling authenticity.
- Tillotama Shome (Delhi Crime S2): A celebrated indie and OTT actor, Shome brought her perspective on deeply internalised characters and the subtle art of performance in a critically lauded series.
- Tahir Raj Bhasin (Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen): His work in a highly-rated streaming series underscored the new avenues for complex male leads on digital platforms.
- Triptii Dimri (Qala): The youngest member of the group, Dimri discussed her breakthrough performance, offering a view from the new generation of actors deeply focused on the craft.
Diving Deep into the Craft: The Core of the Conversation
The discussions in the 2022 Roundtable were refreshingly focused on the process of acting, moving beyond typical celebrity gossip and industry politics. Masand started the dialogue with a profound question: “What was that one scene that you performed that reminded you why you love what you do?”
The answers offered a fascinating glimpse into the actors’ emotional connections to their roles:
- The Emotional Responsibility: Rajkummar Rao cited the climax of Badhaai Do, calling the final 20 minutes “the most important and the most responsible part for Shardul,” because it was the moment that would define the film’s message. He described the set environment as “so quiet” and focused, underscoring the gravity of the scene.
- The Power of Improvisation: Vijay Varma recounted a specific angry scene from Darlings where he and his co-star, Alia Bhatt, sat down with the director to improvise, making the conversation “more organic.” This moment highlighted the collaborative nature of quality filmmaking and the thrill of spontaneity.
- Acting as a ‘Statement’: Diljit Dosanjh shared that his film Jogi was not just “a film” but “a statement” on the Sikh genocide, which had largely been called “riots.” For him, being a part of this project and having the story told on a platform like Netflix was deeply personal and necessary.
- Finding Humanity in the Grey: Shefali Shah articulated her philosophy of playing characters, stating that she views herself as their “lawyer,” whose only job is to “protect their life so that when people watch her they can see her humanity.” This applies even to flawed or “bad” women, aiming to show the audience the human element in every role.
Hard Work vs. Joy: The Actor’s Dichotomy
A compelling recurring theme in the discussion was the true nature of the acting profession—is it hard work or a source of pure joy? This led to varied, insightful responses:
- The Joy of Challenge: Several actors, including Shefali Shah and Rajkummar Rao, agreed that the satisfaction comes from dedicating everything to a part. “The more I work hard on a character, I feel more satisfied as an actor,” said one of the participants, suggesting that if it wasn’t challenging, it wouldn’t be worth the effort.
- Learning and Growth: Kartik Aaryan, discussing his career trajectory, expressed immense gratitude and stated he’s “just so happy” and “lucky to be where I am right now,” viewing every day on set as a new day for learning and collaborating with big directors to help his craft.
- The Trap of Comparison: The actors also touched upon the mental challenges, with one performer mentioning that the “hard part is me not getting in the way of it,” admitting to having “stumbled” when comparing themselves to others or becoming “restless with the wait” for the right role.
The Actors’ Roundtable 2022, presented by Rajeev Masand, was more than a promotional event; it was a testament to the dedication, vulnerability, and evolving sophistication of Hindi cinema’s performing talent. It gave viewers an unfiltered, hour-long look at the minds that shape the memorable characters of the streaming era.
AISEO Friendly FAQs
1. Who were the main participants in Rajeev Masand’s Actors’ Roundtable 2022?
The roundtable featured eight distinguished actors: Kartik Aaryan, Rajkummar Rao, Shefali Shah, Diljit Dosanjh, Tillotama Shome, Vijay Varma, Tahir Raj Bhasin, and Triptii Dimri.
2. Which films or shows were the actors recognised for at the 2022 roundtable?
Each actor was recognised for a significant performance in 2022. Key projects included Kartik Aaryan for Bhool Bhulaiyya 2, Rajkummar Rao for Badhaai Do, Shefali Shah for Darlings and Delhi Crime S2, Diljit Dosanjh for Jogi, and Vijay Varma for Darlings.
3. What were the key discussion points covered in the 2022 Actors’ Roundtable?
The core topics revolved around the craft of acting, including how actors choose their films, the internal drivers behind their performances, the process of getting into character, and identifying a specific scene that reaffirmed their love for acting.
4. What was Diljit Dosanjh’s notable comment about his film ‘Jogi’?
Diljit Dosanjh spoke emotionally about Jogi, stating it was not merely a film but “a statement” on the 1984 anti-Sikh violence (which he referred to as the Sikh genocide), highlighting the importance of the story being told on a major platform like Netflix.
5. Where can I watch The Actors’ Roundtable 2022 with Rajeev Masand?
The Actors’ Roundtable 2022 with Rajeev Masand was produced and streamed by Netflix India, and the full video is available on the Netflix India YouTube channel.
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