Ever since Mirzapur 2 has released, all people are talking about is the climax scene featuring Guddu, Golu, Sharad, Munna and Akhanda. Out of all of them, the character of Sharad has brought a crazy twist to the show. And as much as I enjoyed everyone’s performance this season, Anjum Sharma a.k.a Sharad’s performance was something that stood out for me. I had the opportunity to indulge in a tête-à-tête with the talented actor where we spoke about his experience shooting Mirzapur 2, the audience’s reaction and much more.
Here are a few excerpts from the conversation:
How did the role of Sharad Shukla come to you?
When I got an opportunity to do this role, I wanted to be a part of it because both the content and the cast were amazing. The character of Sharad Shukla in itself was a very phenomenal and different role to play. It challenged me to explore within and to outgrow more as an artist. I’ve worked with the director, Gurmeet earlier and it has always been a treat to work with him. He is very considering and accommodating to the ideas and suggestions of the cast as well as the entire team.
What were your first thoughts when you read the script and heard about your character?
When I got the script, I read it thoroughly and discussed certain things with Puneet about my character. They had a lot of evolution for the character of Sharad Shukla and when it was almost towards finalisation, I had certain things in my mind; especially for my opening scene. I’m grateful that the makers were open to suggestions because of which a lot of scenes have the impact that it does.
In Season 2, the character was phenomenal, powerful and different. Sharad had unique reactions which allowed him to have control over situations. He looked calm but, a lot was happening within.
How did you prepare for the role? Was the UP dialect a challenge for you?
I worked on my physique and underwent rigorous training for 3-4 months to sculpt my body in a way which would give the impact to the character.I have been to Banaras and UP a lot of times for theatre and thus I have explored these places a lot. So, I kind of knew the dialect and understood the character. I could relate to the character and get the accent and the style right, which I think was even more important that the dialect.
Getting a sense of how the character would react as per his background was more crucial.
Did you expect Sharad to become such an important part of the Mirzapur franchise?
When this role was offered to me, I had it figured that the character of Sharad Shukla would stand out only in season 2 because it was kind of unveiling itself in the first season. I wanted to be a part of it because both the content and the cast was fabulous. The scenes from the first season had a very concrete structure. I could vision it playing in my mind as I read it. In Season 2, the character is phenomenal, powerful and different. It was a much challenging role to play. Sharad has unique reactions which allow him to have control over situations. The character has a strong impact and is getting massive amounts of positive reactions.
On the professional front, where do we see Anjum Sharma next?
Well, Mirzapur season 2 has received a great response and from here on things are exciting and good. I haven’t thought of any specific movies or series but, there are so many directors whose work that excite me. Yes, there are certain projects that I’m looking upon but there is nothing I have zeroed in upon. So let’s see what happens and for what’s in store for the future. I’m exploring and continuing to learn & grow as an artist.
I sure can’t wait to see more of Anjum on screen!