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 a 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.”