Danish Iqbal on playing Bade Sahab in Dhurandhar: The Revenge: 'Did a lot of psychological preparation'
Danish Iqbal played the most-talked-about character, Bade Sahab (Dawood Ibrahim), in Dhurandhar: The Revenge. Danish opened up about how he prepared for the role.
Last Updated: 12.39 PM, Mar 20, 2026
One of the most-talked-about characters in Dhurandhar: The Revenge was Bade Sahab (Dawood Ibrahim), and as the film is out now in cinemas, it's been revealed that Danish Iqbal played the role. In a new interview, Danish opened up about playing the underworld don and discussed how he prepared for the role.
How did Danish Iqbal prepare for Bade Sahab role?
In a recent interview with Variety India, Danish Iqbal opened up about how he prepared for Bade Sahab, aka Dawood Ibrahim. Danish said that as actors, they put all their hard work, blood, and soul into every project they undertake, but only a few characters create magic on screen. He further said that if the character of Bade Sahab or Dawood Ibrahim has received praise, it is because of his performance as well as the meticulous effort behind it. He also expressed that he is truly grateful for the love that the audience is showing him.
He said, “Mukesh believed in me. He thought that I could suit the character and could pull off the difficult scenes. He suggested to Aditya (Dhar) Sir to cast me for this character and then Aditya sir agreed.”
Danish also said that when Mukesh had asked him to play Dawood, he had questioned who Dawood was, as it could be anyone’s name. He also said that after Mukesh revealed the character, he asked him if he was sure, as he didn't think he looked like Dawood. He admitted that actors often have doubts about themselves, especially when offered such an important role in a big film.
"But Mukesh and Aditya Dhar showed confidence in me. And then eventually, I started believing in myself and I started working on the character and the scenes. I did a lot of psychological preparation," Danish added.
“Dawood has been played by many people. Some great and famous actors have also played. But, I'm a professional actor, and if I start thinking that this character has been played by so many people and there will be comparisons, then how will I do my job? I have to concentrate and focus on my process," he said.
Danish continued that he had done the same by sticking to his basics and putting all the training and experience he had gained into the character. He also said that the results are clear, as everyone is praising his work and he is receiving a lot of love.
Meanwhile, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has already crossed Rs. 100 crore mark and is running at a theatre near you!