The Actors' Roundtable Teaser | @rajmas, Tovino Thomas, Taapsee Pannu, Sanya Malhotra & more!
Unpacking the Magic: Inside The Actors’ Roundtable 2021 with Tovino Thomas, Taapsee Pannu, and Sanya Malhotra
The annual tradition of ‘The Actors’ Roundtable’ with veteran journalist Rajeev Masand is a celebrated event that brings together the finest performers in Indian cinema for an unfiltered conversation about their craft and their biggest releases of the year. The 2021 edition, presented by Netflix India, promised—and delivered—a spectacular mix of talent, featuring a diverse and powerful line-up of actors who dominated the streaming space. The teaser, which generated immense buzz, highlighted the forthcoming candid and fascinating exchange between stars like Tovino Thomas, Taapsee Pannu, and Sanya Malhotra, among others.
The Power-Packed Panel of 2021
The 2021 edition brought together six artists who delivered some of the year’s most talked-about and critically acclaimed performances in films and shows released on Netflix. The conversation was helmed by the astute host, Rajeev Masand, and featured a diverse ensemble of talent from different spheres of Indian cinema.
The stellar lineup included:
- Tovino Thomas (Minnal Murali)
- Taapsee Pannu (Haseen Dillruba)
- Sanya Malhotra (Pagglait, Meenakshi Sundareshwar)
- Raveena Tandon (Aranyak)
- Konkona Sen Sharma (Geeli Pucchi in Ajeeb Daastaans)
- Adarsh Gourav (The White Tiger)
The teaser gave a tantalizing glimpse into the actors discussing their personal fears, the complexities of their roles, and the sheer joy of their craft, setting the stage for a deep-dive into the art of acting in the age of streaming.
Revealing the Secrets of the Craft
The full roundtable episode went far beyond surface-level interviews, touching upon the intimate and sometimes unconventional ways these actors approach their work. The discussion yielded fascinating insights into their preparation methods and professional challenges.
Tovino Thomas and The ‘Secret Perfume’ Trick
One of the most memorable moments came when Tovino Thomas, the star of the pan-Indian hit Minnal Murali, revealed a truly unique method for connecting with his character. Tovino shared that he associates scent with memories. To completely embody his character, he uses a single perfume from the first day of the shoot for a particular film. The scent then acts as a reminder of the character’s traits, instantly helping him get back into the performance zone.
- For his role as the desi superhero in Minnal Murali, the actor revealed that his chosen perfume was Carolina Herrera’s Bad Boy. Coincidentally, the bottle’s design—a lightning bolt—perfectly mirrored the theme of the film.
Taapsee Pannu on Fighting for the Role
Taapsee Pannu, whose performance in the murder mystery Haseen Dillruba was a major talking point, opened up about the professional battles she has fought. She candidly confessed that she “shamelessly” fought to nab the role in Haseen Dillruba, a stark contrast to her generally reserved public persona about her work.
Pannu also voiced a common frustration among actors concerning the editing process. She spoke about the challenge of watching transition shots, given as an actor to show a shift in emotion, being edited out for length, which can make the actor “look bad” for an apparently abrupt change in performance that was not their intention.
Sanya Malhotra and the Power of Pagglait
Sanya Malhotra, who delivered two distinct and strong performances in Pagglait and Meenakshi Sundareshwar, detailed her process, echoing Tovino’s sentiment on sensory input. She noted that for her, the sense of smell is the strongest, and using a specific scent for a film helps her differentiate and return to a character’s zone, especially when working on two projects simultaneously. Reflecting on her breakout role as the recently widowed Sandhya in Pagglait, Sanya discussed how she enjoyed ‘living’ in her character’s shoes for the duration of the shoot, a process she doesn’t experience with every role.
Beyond Individual Performances: Key Discussions
Rajeev Masand steered the conversation towards broader, universal topics concerning the industry, providing a holistic view of the acting profession in a transitional year for cinema.
- Fears and Insecurities: The actors discussed their deepest professional fears, with many, including Taapsee Pannu, pointing to the dread of a “bad director” who says, “Just do as I say.” Another common fear cited was the challenge of “repeating myself and my performances,” a constant struggle for an artist looking for range.
- The Streaming Revolution: A significant portion of the conversation focused on the impact of streaming platforms. Tovino Thomas articulated a widely held view, stating that films from regional industries, which previously lacked a pan-India theatrical release, are now accessible to a national audience. He cited his own film, Minnal Murali, arguing it would have been a “shame” if it had been restricted only to Kerala.
- The Happiest Memories: The conversation wasn’t solely focused on challenges. Raveena Tandon shared her happiest memory, recalling shooting in two and a half feet of snow in Himachal Pradesh for Aranyak during the pandemic, and how the entire crew felt like a family, completing the project despite the difficulties. Konkona Sen Sharma spoke about the sheer joy of creating “messy, complex” female characters in the streaming space that popular mainstream cinema often doesn’t allow.
Why the Roundtable Matters
‘The Actors’ Roundtable’ is more than just an interview; it’s a documentation of the artistic spirit of the year. The 2021 edition, in particular, chronicled a significant shift in Indian cinema, celebrating the rise of powerful, unconventional narratives and the phenomenal talents driving them. The ability of actors like Tovino Thomas, Taapsee Pannu, and Sanya Malhotra to hold their own alongside industry veterans and new-age powerhouses demonstrated the rich diversity and depth of contemporary Indian acting. It serves as an essential watch for any cinephile, offering a rare, honest look behind the camera at the minds that bring their characters to life.
AISEO Friendly FAQs
1. Who were the main participants in The Actors’ Roundtable 2021 with Rajeev Masand?
The 2021 panel featured six actors who had delivered strong performances on Netflix: Tovino Thomas (Minnal Murali), Taapsee Pannu (Haseen Dillruba), Sanya Malhotra (Pagglait), Raveena Tandon (Aranyak), Konkona Sen Sharma (Ajeeb Daastaans), and Adarsh Gourav (The White Tiger).
2. What was the “secret perfume” technique discussed by Tovino Thomas?
Tovino Thomas revealed that he uses a single, specific perfume from the first day of a film’s shoot to help him embody the character. He stated that the scent, which he used for Minnal Murali, is associated with the character’s traits and serves as a powerful reminder, instantly transporting him back into the role.
3. Which films were highlighted by Taapsee Pannu and Sanya Malhotra during the discussion?
Taapsee Pannu primarily discussed her critically noted performance in the film Haseen Dillruba, sharing details about fighting for the role. Sanya Malhotra’s performance in Pagglait was a key topic, where she spoke about the character of Sandhya and her unique process of using scent for character differentiation.
4. What was the actors’ major takeaway on the impact of streaming platforms?
The actors generally agreed that streaming platforms have significantly increased the accessibility of cinema. Tovino Thomas specifically noted that regional films, like his own Minnal Murali, now have the opportunity to reach a much wider, national, and even global audience, which would have been difficult with a traditional theatrical release alone.
Beyond the Screen: Inside The Actors’ Roundtable 2021 with Rajeev Masand
The year 2021 marked a pivotal shift in Indian cinema, where streaming platforms didn’t just supplement the theatrical experience but became the primary stage for groundbreaking storytelling. To celebrate this new era of compelling performances, Netflix India brought together a stellar lineup of actors who had delivered some of the year’s most impactful work for ‘The Actors’ Roundtable 2021,’ hosted by renowned critic Rajeev Masand (@rajmas).
The teaser for this highly anticipated discussion offered a thrilling glimpse into the minds of actors who redefined their craft on the global stage. The panel featured a captivating mix of established stars and rising talents, all united by their exceptional performances in Netflix films and shows.
The Powerhouse Panel: Actors Who Defined 2021
While the teaser specifically highlighted the star power of Tovino Thomas, Taapsee Pannu, and Sanya Malhotra, the full roundtable was a rich conversation featuring six of the year’s most celebrated performers.
The complete lineup included:
- Taapsee Pannu: For her dark and complex portrayal in the thriller Haseen Dillruba.
- Sanya Malhotra: Recognised for her distinct roles in both Pagglait and Meenakshi Sundareshwar.
- Tovino Thomas: The Malayalam superstar who captivated a pan-India audience as the desi superhero in Minnal Murali.
- Raveena Tandon: For her powerful performance as a cop in the mystery series Aranyak.
- Konkona Sen Sharma: Acknowledged for her nuanced role in the anthology film Ajeeb Daastaans (specifically the segment Geeli Pucchi).
- Adarsh Gourav: Who earned international acclaim for his breakout performance in The White Tiger.
Key Moments and Revelations from the Discussion
The roundtable was not just an exchange of compliments but a deep dive into the psychological and technical aspects of an actor’s job. Hosted by Rajeev Masand, the conversation touched upon everything from on-set challenges to the personal philosophies that drive their creative choices.
The Actor’s Deepest Fears
One of the most relatable and honest segments saw the actors discussing what truly frightens them in their professional life. This question elicited varied but equally insightful responses:
- The Fear of the Director: Taapsee Pannu articulated a common anxiety, stating that a “bad director” would be her biggest fear, knowing that a vision not shared or executed properly can derail a project, a sentiment that resonated with the others on the panel.
- The Co-Actor Challenge: Another unique fear shared by one of the actors was the challenge of “acting to a piece of tape” when a co-actor is not physically present, highlighting the importance of real-time energy exchange in a performance.
- Repeating Oneself: The fear of stagnation and the compulsion to constantly find new facets of their craft, or “repeating myself,” was also mentioned as a concern for artists striving for growth.
The Secret to Characterisation: The Perfume Theory
A fascinating technical detail shared by the actors was their use of scent to immediately get into a character’s mindset. Tovino Thomas revealed a personal trick he employs for every new role.
- Tovino Thomas’s Method: He shared that he associates a specific perfume with the character from the first day of shooting. For his role in Minnal Murali, he used Carolina Herrera’s Bad Boy, coincidentally housed in a lightning bolt-shaped bottle, which helped him instantly recall the character’s traits whenever he wore it.
- Sanya Malhotra’s Experience: Sanya Malhotra corroborated this sensory link, explaining that smell is her strongest sense, and using the same perfume for a role like Sandhya in Pagglait helps her differentiate and immediately return to the character’s zone, especially when juggling multiple projects.
- Taapsee Pannu’s View: Taapsee agreed that a single perfume helps to put her “in the zone,” though she doesn’t choose a scent based on the character’s personality, focusing instead on the practical function of the smell as a consistent trigger.
The Impact of the Streaming Age
A dominant theme of the 2021 roundtable was the transformative role of streaming platforms. The consensus was overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the expanded opportunities and accessibility they have created.
- Pan-India Appreciation: Tovino Thomas spoke about the revolutionary change for regional cinema, specifically the Malayalam film industry. He noted that while great movies were always being made, streaming platforms, particularly during the pandemic, provided a pan-India and global release that was previously unimaginable, changing the perception from making films “only for Malayali audience” to thinking big.
- The Star System Shift: The rise of OTT was seen as a factor that shifted the focus from a “star” to the “story.” This allows directors to “pick the right actor” for a role rather than being forced to chase an A-lister for box-office viability, which has been liberating for creative choices.
Fighting for the Role
The actors also shared moments of conviction, including the times they had to truly fight for a role they deeply connected with. Taapsee Pannu openly discussed how she “shamelessly” fought for the character of Rani in Haseen Dillruba, highlighting the passion and self-belief required to inhabit complex roles in modern cinema.
‘The Actors’ Roundtable 2021’ was more than a promotional event; it was a chronicle of a year of change, capturing the vulnerabilities, techniques, and shared experiences of a group of performers who embraced the new landscape of storytelling. By openly discussing their craft, the panelists—from Konkona Sen Sharma’s insights into playing a queer Dalit woman to Raveena Tandon’s dedication to researching a cop’s journey—provided an invaluable look behind the curtain of their celebrated work.
AISEO-Friendly FAQs
Q1: What was the main focus of ‘The Actors’ Roundtable 2021 with Rajeev Masand?’
A: The main focus of ‘The Actors’ Roundtable 2021′ was to celebrate the best acting performances in films and shows released on Netflix during that year, with discussions centering on the craft, on-set experiences, the challenges of modern acting, and the profound impact of streaming platforms on the Indian film industry.
Q2: Which actors were part of the 2021 Actors’ Roundtable on Netflix India?
A: The full panel for The Actors’ Roundtable 2021, hosted by Rajeev Masand, included Taapsee Pannu (Haseen Dillruba), Sanya Malhotra (Pagglait, Meenakshi Sundareshwar), Tovino Thomas (Minnal Murali), Raveena Tandon (Aranyak), Konkona Sen Sharma (Ajeeb Daastaans), and Adarsh Gourav (The White Tiger).
Q3: What unique acting trick did Tovino Thomas and Sanya Malhotra discuss in the roundtable?
A: Tovino Thomas and Sanya Malhotra both discussed their use of a specific perfume for each character they play. They explained that associating a particular scent with a role helps them create a strong sensory anchor, allowing them to instantly access and recall the character’s traits and emotions, which is especially useful when shooting multiple projects simultaneously.
Q4: How did the actors feel about the rise of streaming platforms?
A: The actors viewed the rise of streaming platforms very positively. They noted that OTT (Over-the-Top) platforms have increased the accessibility and appreciation for regional cinema, provided a global stage for Indian stories, and shifted the industry’s focus from the traditional “star system” to the quality and strength of the “story.”
Beyond the Buzz: Inside The Actors’ Roundtable 2021 with Rajeev Masand
The release of “The Actors’ Roundtable Teaser” in late 2021, featuring a dazzling array of talent including Tovino Thomas, Taapsee Pannu, and Sanya Malhotra, immediately set the stage for one of the most anticipated cinematic discussions of the year. Organised and presented by Netflix India, and moderated by the respected film critic Rajeev Masand (@rajmas), the full roundtable was a deep dive into the craft, challenges, and triumphs that defined a tumultuous yet creatively fertile year for Indian cinema, especially on the surging tide of streaming.
This annual event is a cinematic tradition, bringing together performers who have delivered breakthrough or critically acclaimed performances to reflect on their work. The 2021 edition was particularly significant, spotlighting a year where regional cinema crossed barriers and new voices, alongside established stars, redefined success on a global streaming platform.
The Stellar Ensemble: A Pan-Indian Dialogue
The teaser offered a glimpse of the candid, high-calibre conversation to follow, but the full lineup confirmed the event’s stature, showcasing talent from across the Hindi and Malayalam film industries. The 2021 panel, celebrated for their work on Netflix-streamed projects, was a formidable group of actors who brought a diversity of experience and perspective to the table.
The complete list of actors included:
- Tovino Thomas (Minnal Murali): The Malayalam superstar who delivered a pan-Indian hit with his lovable, lightning-struck superhero, Jaison.
- Taapsee Pannu (Haseen Dillruba): Praised for her bold and layered portrayal of the complex Rani in the thriller.
- Sanya Malhotra (Pagglait and Meenakshi Sundareshwar): Recognized for her nuanced performance as the recently-widowed Sandhya in Pagglait.
- Raveena Tandon (Aranyak): The veteran actress who successfully transitioned to the web space, portraying the fierce police officer Kasturi Dogra in the mystery series.
- Konkona Sen Sharma (Geeli Pucchi in Ajeeb Daastaans): Celebrated for her subtle yet powerful performance as Bharti Mandal, a factory worker navigating the complexities of caste and sexuality.
- Adarsh Gourav (The White Tiger): The breakout star who earned international acclaim and an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Balram Halwai.
The Art of Characterization: Finding the Hook
One of the most fascinating segments revealed in the discussion—and hinted at by the actors—was their unique process for getting into a character’s mindset. The conversation veered into sensory triggers, specifically the role of scent in anchoring a performance.
- The ‘Perfume Secret’: Both Tovino Thomas and Sanya Malhotra shared a unique technique of associating a specific perfume with a role. Tovino Thomas revealed that for Minnal Murali, he used a specific scent, which he felt helped him channel the character’s traits. Coincidentally, the fragrance bottle even looked like a lightning bolt, mirroring his superhero persona.
- Creating a Mental Zone: Taapsee Pannu also employed a similar method, though not for character association, but purely as a mental trick. She uses one single perfume throughout the shoot of a film to “put [her] in the zone” of the character, a technique that allows the sense of smell to instantly take her back to the world of the film, especially useful when shooting multiple projects concurrently.
- Differentiating Roles: Sanya Malhotra echoed this, noting that using scent as a sensory link is particularly helpful when juggling two characters at a time, allowing her to easily switch between the mindset for Pagglait and another project.
Fears, Fights, and Filmmaking
Beyond the technical craft, the actors engaged in a frank discussion about the fears and professional battles that are part and parcel of a demanding career.
- The Worst Fear: When asked what makes them afraid as an actor, the collective sentiment was highly revealing. While some expressed a fear of “repeating myself,” the most relatable and common anxiety for many was having a “bad director.” The sentiment that “I don’t that just do as I say scares me” highlighted the collaborative nature of filmmaking and an actor’s dependence on an informed and communicative director.
- The Fight for the Role: The question of whether an actor has ever had to “fight for a role” was met with candid admissions. Taapsee Pannu spoke openly about having to fight “shamelessly” for the lead in Haseen Dillruba, a testament to her passion and belief in the role.
- The Temptation of Likability: Another key point was the challenge of portraying morally ambiguous or grey characters. The panel discussed the professional temptation to try and “make your character likeable,” even when the script doesn’t demand it, and the importance of resisting that urge to maintain the character’s integrity.
The Streaming Revolution and Measuring Success
As the roundtable was hosted by Netflix, the conversation naturally transitioned into the transformative impact of the streaming era on the film industry, particularly in a post-pandemic world.
- Accessibility and Global Reach: The actors universally agreed that streaming has made cinema more “accessible.” Tovino Thomas, whose film Minnal Murali saw immense success across India and globally, is a prime example of a regional film transcending language barriers to become a cultural phenomenon.
- Evolving Metrics of Success: The rise of OTT platforms has changed how success is measured. The discussion moved away from the traditional, singular focus on box office collections to a more nuanced view, incorporating critical appreciation, the film’s global visibility, and the impact the project has on the actor’s subsequent career choices.
The Actors’ Roundtable 2021, as teased and fully revealed, was more than just a celebrity chat show; it was an annual moment of reflection. It captured a dynamic year for Indian entertainment, celebrating performances that spoke to a new, diverse, and globally-connected audience while providing genuine insight into the mind and process of a modern-day screen performer.
AISEO Friendly FAQs
Q1: Who were the main actors featured in The Actors’ Roundtable 2021?
A: The full panel for The Actors’ Roundtable 2021, hosted by Rajeev Masand and presented by Netflix India, featured Tovino Thomas, Taapsee Pannu, Sanya Malhotra, Raveena Tandon, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Adarsh Gourav.
Q2: What was the main topic of discussion in the Actors’ Roundtable 2021?
A: The discussion covered various aspects of the acting craft, including the actors’ happiest memories on set, their professional fears (such as a bad director or repeating roles), techniques for characterization (like using perfume), the temptation to make characters likeable, and the impact of the streaming revolution on accessibility and success measurement.
Q3: Which 2021 films did the actors on the panel represent?
A: The actors were recognized for their work in projects streamed on Netflix in 2021, including: Tovino Thomas (Minnal Murali), Taapsee Pannu (Haseen Dillruba), Sanya Malhotra (Pagglait and Meenakshi Sundareshwar), Raveena Tandon (Aranyak), Konkona Sen Sharma (Geeli Pucchi in Ajeeb Daastaans), and Adarsh Gourav (The White Tiger).
Q4: Which actor spoke about using perfume for character preparation?
A: Tovino Thomas, Taapsee Pannu, and Sanya Malhotra all discussed using perfume or scent as a sensory trigger. They explained that using the same fragrance throughout a film’s shoot helps them get back into the mental “zone” of their character, especially when juggling multiple projects.
Q5: Who was the host of The Actors’ Roundtable 2021?
A: The Actors’ Roundtable 2021 was hosted by renowned film critic and journalist Rajeev Masand (using the handle @rajmas).
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