As an Actor, Trying to do Different Things: Triptii Dimri on ‘Mere Mehboob’ 

The release of ‘Mere Mehboob’, the latest track from Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video (2024) starring Triptii Dimri and Rajkummar Rao, has garnered polarised reactions from the audience. While the song’s catchy beats have drawn some positive attention, Dimri’s dance moves, choreographed by Ganesh Acharya, have sparked criticism online.

Following her well-received performances in Qala (2022) and Bulbbul (2020), critics have expressed their disappointment over her portrayal in her recent films — especially her scenes in Animal (2023) that unfairly cast her as a sex symbol. The consensus is that her talent and potential are being under-utilised.

But the actress disagrees. “As an actor, I’m trying to do different things,” said Dimri in an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter India. “I used to think that to be an actor, you simply need to know how to act, and you’re sorted. But when you are offered shows, you have to know how to walk properly, and [similarly,] when you’re in dance numbers, you have to do it well.”

Directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, Vicky Aur Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video is a comedy film about a newly married couple who end up losing their sex tape. Set to release on October 11, the film also stars Mallika Sherawat and Vijay Raaz, promising to be a quintessential Bollywood entertainer.

Dimrii admits that everyone can’t be good at everything, but she owes it to herself to try and give her best shot. “It [‘Mere Mehboob’] was my first dance number,” she says. “I didn't think it would get the kind of response it’s getting, but this happens to everybody.”

The actor believes that there are things that the audience likes and things they don't like, but that should not stop an artiste from experimenting. She continues, “You can’t stop doing the things you want to do because [of how] you think it’ll be perceived…You have to look straight ahead and do what you love.”