Actor Lokit Phulwani is currently seen as Hafeez in Prateek Sharma’s Studio LSD’s Rabb Se Hai Dua. He is sporting a beard on-screen for his character and says that without the beard, people don’t realise he is the Hafeez they see on-screen. He believes that it is the power of makeup and costume that makes a character look so different from their real life.
“Interestingly, when I’m offscreen and not sporting the beard, people often don’t recognize me as the same person who plays Hafeez. It’s a testament to the transformative power of makeup and costume, but it also highlights the depth of immersion I’ve achieved in each role. Sometimes, I enjoy the anonymity it provides, allowing me to observe people’s reactions without being immediately recognized,” he said.
“Removing the beard to get into my real self feels like shedding a layer of maturity and stepping into the shoes of youthfulness again. It’s liberating in a way, as I get to explore the energy and enthusiasm of a younger persona. It requires a shift in mindset and physicality, but it’s equally fulfilling as it allows me to showcase a different facet of my acting abilities,” he added.
He also shared that portraying an older character on-screen is also a little challenging, and said, “Playing the role of Hafeez, an older character, despite being young and wearing a beard, presents a fascinating challenge. It allows me to delve deep into the psyche of someone with more life experience and wisdom than myself. It’s a transformative experience where I have to embody the essence of aging, not just physically but also emotionally and mentally.”
Any interesting experiences? “One particularly memorable experience was when a fan approached me while I was out as Lokit, completely unaware that I also portrayed Hafeez. They praised my performance and shared how much they admired the character’s youthful spirit. It was a surreal moment, knowing that I had successfully created two distinct personas that resonated with audiences in different ways. It’s moments like these that remind me of the magic of acting and the impact it can have on people’s lives.”
