Exclusive | Dolly Singh on Working with Sanjay Mishra in Smita Singh’s 'Arjun Bewakoof': ‘He’s a towering figure for me’
The actor and content creator speaks about joining the indie feature directed by Smita Singh, the film’s community-driven approach, and sharing screen space with Sanjay Mishra.
Content creator and actor Dolly Singh has joined the cast of the independent feature Arjun Bewakoof, alongside actors Sanjay Mishra and Rajesh Tailang. The film will be directed by Andaman (2021) filmmaker Smita Singh and written by Anand Raaj. Production is scheduled to begin in mid-March.
The project is being developed as a community-based film, with its makers building an audience around the story before its eventual release. According to the team, the film is rooted in the everyday rhythms of the Indian hinterland and seeks to involve local communities in the filmmaking process.
Speaking about what drew her to the project, Singh said the script’s tone was a key factor in her decision to come on board. “It was primarily the story. It’s fresh yet deeply nostalgic, reminding me of the kind of cinema I truly miss,” she said.
Singh also spoke about the opportunity to work with Mishra, whom she described as one of the actors she has long admired. “I’ve been a huge admirer of him—not just as a phenomenal actor, but as a person,” she said. “There’s something incredibly special about him; the way he speaks, the way he tells stories, and the simplicity he carries remind me of my childhood and the kind of people I grew up around.” She added that sharing the screen with him felt “almost magical”.
“In many ways, he’s a towering figure for me. The thought of acting alongside him is surreal. Of course, I hope I do justice to our scenes together, but above all, I’m deeply excited and grateful. It truly feels like a dream come true, and I can’t believe it’s happening so soon,” Singh said.
The actor added that the film’s approach to storytelling also appealed to her. “I was drawn to the team’s vision of making it a genuine people’s film, rooted in the Indian hinterland and closely connected to the lives of ordinary people,” she said.
According to Singh, the filmmakers have spent time on location to understand the culture and community where the story is set, working closely with locals during the development process while operating within the constraints of an independent film budget.