The suspense swirling around the identity of 'Bade Sahab' in Dhurandhar: The Revenge has finally been put to rest, and the film’s bold casting choice is making waves across India’s cinema landscape. Released on March 19, 2026, the high-octane sequel has not only shattered box office records but also delivered one of Bollywood’s most talked-about character reveals in recent memory. At the heart of this buzz is Danish Iqbal, a seasoned theatre actor, whose nuanced portrayal of the mysterious antagonist has left audiences and critics alike both surprised and captivated.
For years, speculation grew about who would fill the shoes of ‘Bade Sahab’—a shadowy figure whose presence loomed large in the first film, only to finally emerge in the sequel as the mastermind behind the chaos. Many fans anticipated a Bollywood superstar would take the role, with rumors swirling around names like Emraan Hashmi and Salman Khan. But as reported by Republic Digital, the filmmakers took a different route, focusing on performance over star power. In a move that’s being hailed as courageous and refreshing, Danish Iqbal was cast as the central antagonist, a decision that has proven pivotal to the film’s success.
Dhurandhar: The Revenge is directed by Aditya Dhar and features a powerhouse ensemble including Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi, Sara Arjun, Danish Iqbal, and Danish Pandor. Ranveer Singh reprises his role as Hamza Ali Mazari, navigating a treacherous world of espionage and organized crime. Yet, it’s Iqbal’s performance as ‘Bade Sahab’—a character widely speculated to be inspired by the infamous underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim—that has become the film’s defining talking point.
According to The Times of India, early reviews have dubbed the movie a “masterpiece” and a “potential box office tsunami,” with audiences thrilled by its darker tone, gritty undercover plot, and large-scale storytelling. The film’s narrative draws loose inspiration from real-life events, particularly the 1993 Bombay blasts, grounding its fictional elements in a context that feels both urgent and familiar. The character of ‘Bade Sahab’ is depicted as an old, sickly, and bedridden man—physically frail yet commanding immense respect and authority, a portrayal that mirrors the paradoxical power of real-life crime lords.
In an exclusive interview with Republic Digital, Danish Iqbal revealed the unique process he undertook to bring ‘Bade Sahab’ to life. Rather than researching Dawood Ibrahim directly through documentaries or news clippings, Iqbal chose to observe elderly and sick individuals in hospitals. “I observed lots of old people and how they talk. I went to a couple of hospitals and visited a few relatives. It was not intentional. When you accidentally land in a hospital, my process was to observe old people and how they are talking, their body language and mannerisms,” he shared. This approach allowed him to craft a character both authentic and distinct from previous cinematic portrayals of Dawood.
Iqbal’s journey as an actor is as compelling as the role he plays. A graduate of the National School of Drama (NSD) and a student of classical acting in London, he boasts nearly three decades of theatre experience. He first gained widespread recognition for his role as Dilshad Mirza in Maharani Season 2 and has also appeared in acclaimed projects like Faraaz, Aakhri Sach, and Bhakshak. Reflecting on his preparation for ‘Bade Sahab,’ Iqbal noted that previous experiences playing aged characters in theatre, particularly a role he took on at age 19 or 20, helped him inhabit the physical and psychological nuances required for the part. “I acted in a play when I was 19 or 20. I played the character of an 85–90 year old man. It helped me a lot. This character was in the back of my head, and it all came together,” Iqbal explained.
Despite the speculation linking ‘Bade Sahab’ to Dawood Ibrahim, Iqbal emphasized his focus on the character’s frailty and authority rather than direct imitation. “I have to do a scene, and I have to portray a man who is old and physically unfit and is going through a particular disease. My process was to get into the skin of this old man. The power, aggression and authority. You are sick, and at the same time, you have that gravity and authority so it was challenging to balance it all,” he told Republic Digital. This layered approach has resulted in a performance that feels both grounded and menacing, elevating the film’s emotional stakes.
In an interview with India Today, Iqbal confessed to feeling the urge to announce his role before the film’s release, given the mounting curiosity. “Honestly, in the last three months, there were multiple moments when I wanted to raise my hand and say, 'I am Bade Saab.' I wanted the world to know it, but was tied to my commitment,” he admitted. The actor also praised director Aditya Dhar, calling him a visionary who “knows what he wants and never gets carried away by what people expect from him.” Iqbal’s appreciation extended to his co-star Ranveer Singh, describing his performance as “amazing” and the on-set experience as “unreal.”
Iqbal’s transformation for the role went beyond method acting—it involved heavy prosthetics and makeup that rendered him nearly unrecognizable. On a lighter note, he joked about the possibility of not being recognized on the street, but said, “I don't mind if people recognise me on the streets as long as they appreciate my role onscreen. It's such a kind of performance that people are lost in the talent and the craft of acting.”
The film’s release has proven historic in more ways than one. Dhurandhar: The Revenge raked in over Rs 100 crore on its first day, shattering records previously held by blockbusters like Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan and Prabhas’ Kalki. According to India Today, this makes it the first Bollywood film ever to achieve such a feat on opening day. The movie’s blend of action, espionage, and emotional storytelling—combined with its bold casting and direction—has set a new benchmark for the industry.
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from the ‘Bade Sahab’ reveal is the growing trend in Indian cinema to prioritize authentic, performance-driven storytelling over star-driven spectacle. By choosing Danish Iqbal, the filmmakers allowed the audience to fully immerse themselves in the character, free from preconceived notions or celebrity baggage. This gamble has paid off handsomely, both at the box office and in the hearts of moviegoers, who are still abuzz with discussion about Iqbal’s haunting portrayal.
As Dhurandhar: The Revenge continues its triumphant run, Danish Iqbal’s ‘Bade Sahab’ stands as a testament to the power of craft, preparation, and the courage to defy expectations in the world’s largest film industry.