Arjun Rampal Felt “Horrible” Playing Major Iqbal in Dhurandhar — Actor Opens Up About Dark, Emotionally Draining Role Ahead of 2025
Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal has revealed that he felt “horrible” while portraying the intense and morally conflicted character of Major Iqbal in the blockbuster film Dhurandhar. His candid admission has sparked conversations about the psychological weight actors carry when stepping into emotionally dark roles, especially in the evolving cinematic landscape leading toward 2025.
The film — known for its gritty storytelling, layered character arcs, and intense emotional drama — demanded that Rampal embody a character filled with inner turmoil, ethical dilemmas, and shades of grey. According to the actor, the role required him to tap into uncomfortable emotional spaces that left a lasting psychological impact during filming.
A Character Built on Conflict and Emotional Turbulence
Arjun Rampal shared that Major Iqbal was not an easy character to inhabit. The role required him to portray vulnerability, aggression, guilt, and emotional suppression — sometimes all within a single frame. He explained that the emotional burden of the character often lingered even after the cameras stopped rolling.
The actor described the experience as mentally draining, acknowledging that while the role strengthened his craft, it also pushed him to confront sides of human nature that felt deeply unsettling. As cinema evolves toward 2025, Rampal’s experience highlights how modern storytelling increasingly explores psychological realism rather than superficial heroism.
The Art of Immersive Acting — Blessing or Burden?
Industry observers have praised Rampal’s performance for its authenticity and depth, noting that such emotionally layered portrayals require psychological resilience. However, the actor admitted that immersive acting can blur emotional boundaries, making it difficult to detach from intense characters like Major Iqbal.
Many analysts believe that the conversation underscores a growing awareness in 2025-era filmmaking about emotional well-being in creative professions. With more actors engaging in deeply psychological roles, mental health support within the industry is becoming an increasingly relevant topic.
Dhurandhar’s Success and Its Impact on the Cast
Despite the emotional toll, Rampal acknowledged that the overwhelming success of Dhurandhar made the journey worthwhile. The film’s gripping narrative and powerful performances resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike, cementing its place as one of the defining cinematic achievements leading into 2025.
His portrayal of Major Iqbal has been described as one of the most complex and haunting roles of his career — a performance that demanded empathy, discipline, and emotional vulnerability.
A New Era of Character-Driven Cinema in 2025
The conversation surrounding Rampal’s experience reflects a broader shift in cinema. As storytelling in 2025 becomes increasingly character-driven, actors are expected to dive deeper into emotional psychology, trauma arcs, and moral contradictions.
This evolution has elevated artistic standards — but it has also intensified the emotional demands placed on performers.
Looking Ahead
Arjun Rampal’s revelation offers an honest glimpse into the emotional complexity behind powerful screen performances. His experience as Major Iqbal in Dhurandhar stands as a reminder that impactful cinema often comes at a personal cost — one that actors continue to navigate as the industry heads into 2025 and beyond.
