Mohit Malik has been receiving appreciation for his performance as Birju in Mirzapur: The Movie. In an exclusive conversation with Filmfare, the actor opens up about landing the role, preparing for the character, working with Rasika Dugal, shooting intimate scenes and transitioning from television to films. He also shares how his wife, Aditi Malik, reacted to his performance.
Mirzapur: The Movie has received a lot of love. How are you feeling about its success?
I am feeling elated and happy because of the recognition and acknowledgement of my work. I have been waiting for this moment and am really thankful to God that the audience has given so much love to Birju and the film.
How did the role of Birju come your way?
I met Praneet when I was discussing Azaad. During our conversation, he told me he was writing a film with two new characters, and I might fit the younger one. I instinctively started growing my beard and waited for the test. When I finally went for it, Gurmeet sir liked the look. I really wanted to be a part of the Mirzapur universe and work with him.
Birju carries a lot of trauma. How did you prepare for the character?
The biggest challenge was portraying his pain without saying anything. Birju doesn’t have many dialogues and appears for only 15 to 16 minutes. I wanted his body language to reflect the trauma he had experienced. I worked on his backstory, upbringing and emotional state so that the pain became a part of his physicality.
You joined an established franchise with several popular characters. Did you feel the pressure to make Birju stand out?
Honestly, there was pressure. Initially, I focused only on my work and Birju’s world. However, just before the film’s release, I started getting cold feet and wondered whether the audience would notice me. My director and writer kept reassuring me that Birju had his own space in the film. Even Pankaj ji and Ravi Kishan sir encouraged me. After the screening, I finally understood what they meant.
How was your experience working with the cast?
Initially, I was a little nervous about entering an established ecosystem, but everyone welcomed me warmly. I bonded with Shweta, Jeetu and Ali, and also shared several scenes with Ravi sir and Rasika. The entire team made me comfortable, and that helped me give my best.
You share intimate scenes with Rasika Dugal. Were you nervous about shooting them?
I was very nervous because I had never done something like this before. Rasika made me comfortable, and we also had an intimacy workshop before shooting. I realised how important intimacy coordinators are because they make actors feel secure and comfortable. Gurmeet sir also ensured that the environment was comfortable for both of us.
Were there any awkward or funny moments while shooting these scenes?
The scenes were intense, but Rasika and I also had fun while filming them. There was a particular ball that we were using, and we enjoyed shooting those moments. The workshop and coordination helped us feel comfortable.
You have been a familiar face on television for years. How different has working in films been?
Television has helped me grow as an actor, and I have always approached it like a student. However, films allow you to explore different characters and expand your experience. On television, you often play the same character for a long time, whereas films give you the opportunity to prepare for different roles. That helps you grow creatively and personally.
Do you enjoy working in films more than television now?
Of course, films! Television offers financial security, almost like a nine-to-five job. But creatively, films allow you to explore more characters. I believe it is important to play different roles rather than stick to one character.
Did you feel like a newcomer again when you entered the film industry with Azaad?
Yes, absolutely. Even on the sets of Mirzapur, I felt like a newcomer. I still consider myself a student. I don’t want my experience to come in the way of my work or develop an ego. I want to remain open to learning and unlearning new things.
How did your wife Aditi Malik react after watching you as Birju?
Aditi had seen some pictures but didn’t know much about the film or my character. After the screening, she was quite quiet. The next day, she told me, “I loved your work. This is new. I’ve never seen this kind of a character from you. I never expected you to do Birju like this.”
Even my friends called me the next day to appreciate my performance. I think the film leaves you in a certain zone when you walk out of the theatre, especially after the last scene.
What do you like doing when you are not shooting?
I love travelling. I also conduct workshops, read books and sometimes sketch.
Aditi has explored entrepreneurship alongside her career. Do you both discuss work and exchange professional advice at home?
Aditi is like my mother in that sense. She is extremely busy with her restaurants and doesn’t always have time to watch films or performances. However, I help her whenever I am free. Recently, she opened a new place, and I have been helping her with food trials. That’s also something I enjoy doing when I am not shooting.
Does Aditi ever ask you to take a break and let her take care of the family?
I am never tired of working. I love being on a set and don’t want to take a break from acting. However, when I am waiting for the right role and my break gets longer, Aditi naturally takes over the financial responsibilities. I also try to share family responsibilities, including looking after our son and helping her wherever I can.
There is speculation about Birju being part of the next season of Mirzapur. Can you share anything about it?
I honestly don’t know anything about it, so I can’t comment. I would love to be a part of it, though. I think it would be great to bring Birju back.
You have played characters with different shades, including grey roles. What kind of characters would you like to explore next?
I love drama and want to stick to it, whether I play a negative, grey or positive character. I have also played a gay character in a show called Chamak on Sony, which was very interesting. I want to explore as many shades as I can, depending on my experience and talent. I am hungry for work and want to play all kinds of roles.
Also Read: Exclusive: Mohit Malik praises Rasha, Aaman; talks about his film debut
