Actor and acting coach Saurabh Sachdeva on why Triptii Dimri is being criticised: ‘She looks good on camera… Her choices were not right…’ |
Triptii Dimri has been one of Bollywood’s most promising talents, captivating audiences with powerful performances in films like Laila Majnu, Bulbbul, and Qala. Yet, her journey hasn’t been without challenges—recent criticisms over some of her role choices sparked debate about her career trajectory. Her acting coach and frequent co-star, Saurabh Sachdeva, opened up about the reasons behind the backlash, highlighting the pressures actors face and the importance of making the right choices.
Saurabh Sachdeva’s journey as an acting coach
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Saurabh, who has been an acting coach for 20 years, shared the joy he feels when his students succeed. He explained that his own journey began with a struggle to express himself, which he overcame through theatre. Now, seeing his students find their own unique voices—rather than copying others—deeply moves him. He mentioned notable talents like Raghav Juyal, Richa Chadha, and Triptii Dimri, praising their distinct energies and expressing pride in their achievements.
He worked as an acting coach at Barry John’s acting school in Mumbai from 2005 to 2016 before starting his own school, which he still runs today. Over the years, he has trained nearly a thousand actors but humbly says he can’t take credit for their success. He explains that while many students trained under him, only a few made it because of their own determination and character. “The stakes were high for them, so they had to succeed. I just helped them along the way,” he says.
Handling setbacks
Saurabh doesn’t lose heart when his students face setbacks or criticism. Using a cricket analogy, he says even the best players can get out without scoring, but they always come back stronger. He explains that even great actors like Irrfan Khan don’t always deliver the performance audiences expect—sometimes it’s about the choice of roles or the film itself. What truly matters, he believes, is that people recognize the talent and skill of the performer behind the scenes.
Triptii Dimri’s career ups and downs
Recently, one of his students, Triptii Dimri, faced criticism for her performances. While she impressed audiences with strong roles early in her career, some of her recent films like Vicky Aur Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video and Bad Newz drew criticism for overacting. However, she made a notable comeback with her acclaimed performance in Dhadak 2.He believes Triptii’s talent has always been strong—she looks great on camera, works hard, shows vulnerability and sensitivity, and is easy to work with. He hasn’t seen any tantrums from her during their collaborations on Animal and Dhadak 2. According to him, the main issue was her choice of roles, which didn’t always work in her favor. He adds that learning to make the right, often difficult, choices is an important part of an actor’s journey.
The pressures actors face in the industry
Saurabh, who has appeared in notable projects like Sacred Games, Jaane Jaan, and Housefull, acknowledges the many pressures actors face that influence their choices. He explains that actors must constantly work to build their reputation, consider financial aspects, and strive to outdo their previous work. On top of that, there’s pressure from PR teams and managers, each offering their own advice, making decision-making even more complex.Saurabh and Triptii’s film Dhadak 2, which also stars Siddhant Chaturvedi in the lead, is currently running in theatres. All three actors have received praise for their performances.
