Acting coach Atul Mongia reveals how Ranveer Singh and Vicky Kaushal had to suppress their natural expressiveness to deliver iconic performances in 'Gully Boy' and 'Uri'.

Key Takeaways

  • Ranveer Singh (Gully Boy) and Vicky Kaushal (Uri) were advised to curb their natural expressiveness for their roles.
  • Coach Atul Mongia noted that both actors had to transition from outward personalities to 'internal' characters.
  • The ability to contain emotion rather than show it was central to their success.

Ranveer Singh and Vicky Kaushal are widely considered the torchbearers of modern Hindi cinema. However, their most acclaimed performances weren't just about what they showed on screen, but what they chose to hide. Renowned acting coach Atul Mongia recently shared insights into how both actors had to suppress their vibrant, real-life personalities to embody the depth of their cinematic characters.

Suppressing Instincts for Art

While working on the blockbuster films 'Gully Boy' and 'Uri: The Surgical Strike', both actors faced a unique challenge. Mongia explained that while Ranveer and Vicky are naturally social and highly expressive individuals, their characters required an 'internalized' approach. This meant learning how to feel intense emotions without letting them spill over onto their faces prematurely.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the distinction between a good actor and a great one often lies in emotional restraint. By curbing their natural instincts, Ranveer and Vicky were able to create characters that felt grounded and psychologically complex, rather than mere caricatures of their real selves.

The job of a coach is to find the meeting point between the actor's strength and the director's vision.

In 'Uri', Vicky Kaushal portrayed Major Vihaan Shergill with a restrained, commanding presence that earned him a National Film Award. Conversely, in 'Gully Boy', Ranveer Singh had to navigate the vulnerability of Murad, a character defined by self-doubt and a quiet, simmering ambition. The contrast in their 'angst'—one being a leader's burden and the other a dreamer's struggle—was key to their success.

Historical Background

The concept of 'internal acting' has long been a staple in global cinema, from the Method acting popularized in Hollywood to the nuanced performances seen in Parallel Cinema in India. The transition from external expression to internal psychological depth is a hallmark of mature acting craft.

Did You Know?: Acting coaches often suggest 'character-specific nuances' to directors to better align an actor's natural strengths with the script's requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the main advice given to Ranveer and Vicky?
They were advised to curb their natural expressiveness to ensure their characters felt more internal and psychologically deep.

2. Which films are being discussed?
The discussion focuses on Ranveer Singh's performance in 'Gully Boy' and Vicky Kaushal's performance in 'Uri'.