MUMBAI: Rajat Verma, who plays Jay in Ravindra Gautam and Raghuvir Shekhawat’s Dahej Daasi, which is produced under their banner Do Dooni 4 Films, feels the outer appearance or the look of a character is very important for an actor. He believes it helps them build a connection with the audience.
He said, “The appearance of a character plays a very important role in character building and helps the actor get into the skin of the character. When an actor is given the right clothes and makeup, it makes it easier for them to deliver a strong performance.”
“For the audience, the appearance of a character is also crucial because, when they start watching a show, they first notice how the characters look. The audience doesn't yet know the story or the drama that will unfold, so they try to guess the setting of the show, like whether it's based in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, or somewhere else, just by looking at the characters' appearance. This helps the audience believe and connect with the story more easily,” he added.
He, however, mentioned that the audience has started accepting a more natural appearance rather than a glamorous looking one. He said, “For example, if a hero came out of a bomb blast, their hair would still be perfectly styled. But now, things have changed, and the appearance can be adjusted to look more natural.”
“The more natural the appearance, the more relatable it becomes for the audience, making it easier for them to believe in the story. So, a character’s appearance is very important for both the actor and the audience,” he added.
An actor's job goes beyond bringing a character to life, and Rajat shared that on an individual level, he contributes to it through dedication and hard work. “Whether it’s about the outer appearance or getting into the internal mindset of the character, I always try to match the mood of the scene. For example, if there is a scene where my character has to argue with someone, I try to stay in that mood to feel the intensity of the situation. Sometimes, I distance myself from the person I’m going to argue with in the scene to get into the right mindset,” he said.
“On the other hand, if it's a romantic scene, I spend more time with the other person to build that connection. I also work on the physical appearance of the character. If the role demands certain physical traits, like muscles or a particular body type, I put in the effort to achieve that because it's my body, and I am the one playing the character. So, whatever changes are needed for the role, whether in appearance or internally, I have to work hard to make it happen,” he added.
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