Mumbai, Apr 17 (UNI) Bollywood actor Jaideep Ahlawat, known for his intense performances in critically acclaimed series like Paatal Lok, has taken audiences by surprise with his effortless dance moves in 'Jaadu', the first track from the upcoming Netflix heist film Jewel Thief. The film, helmed by Robbie Grewal and Kookie Gulati, also stars Saif Ali Khan, Nikita Dutta, and Kunal Kapoor in pivotal roles.
Best known for his searing performances in dramatic roles, Ahlawat's dance moves have emerged as an unlikely yet delightful revelation. In a recent conversation with Mid-Day, Ahlawat recalled his initial reaction when approached for the sequence. "No one, not even Siddharth and Mamta (Anand, producers) had any idea that I liked dancing. When I was asked to do it, I said, I can manage this much dance," he smiles.
Bring it up and he says, "I knew I could dance, but for some reason, such a script never reached me. Here, Sid sir and the makers thought of making me dance. They could have easily shot the song only with Saif and Nikita. But Kunal bhai [Kapoor] and I were included. I saw the opportunity and accepted it." The Paatal Lok star further disclosed that Jewel Thief won't be the last time audiences see him breaking into a jig. "I did a film before Jewel Thief. Its release got delayed," he revealed.
Reflecting on his experience with Jewel Thief, Ahlawat described it as "Ek dum mast (absolutely fantastic)", especially after years of playing largely sober roles. "I've done all of this before, for instance, in Commando [2013], which had only dialogue after dialogue. This kind of dialogue-baazi becomes fun when you know it's not force-fitted. We have grown up watching [Amitabh] Bachchan saab, then Shah Rukh [Khan] saab. So, there is no prep needed to play such a character," he further explained.
The film is slated to premiere on Netflix on April 25, 2025. Following the release of the song, Jaideep Ahlawat's dance moves have sparked conversations all over the internet. Some users praised his moves, while others speculated whether they were AI-generated. During the trailer launch, Ahlawat addressed the skepticism, stating, "There was nothing much we did with it. They’ve spent a lot of money on the song. Even Saif sir was saying this. ‘Why do people get surprised that someone like me can dance?’ I’m from Haryana, and I’ve danced a lot since my childhood in many wedding processions. So, dancing is okay."
The upcoming action thriller is being directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal and backed by Siddharth Anand and Mamta Anand under the banner of Marflix Productions. The movie will feature Jaideep Ahlawat as Rajan Aulakh, a cool and calculated mafia boss, while Saif Khan will be seen portraying the role of Rehan Roy, a charming thief with sharp skills for heist. Joining in the web of the heist, the cast includes Kunal Kapoor and Nikita Dutta in pivotal roles.
During the promotional activities, Ahlawat expressed his excitement about the film, saying, "A good heist story needs a sharp plot with twists and turns, and that’s exactly what we’ve aimed for. It’s a roller coaster ride, and I’m sure the audience will enjoy it." Kunal Kapoor, playing the no-nonsense cop Vikram Patel, praised the clarity in his character’s writing, adding, "My character is straightforward and ruthless, a stark contrast to the grey characters around him. Strong writing makes all the difference."
Nikita Dutta, the only female lead in the film, shared her excitement about joining the powerhouse male cast. "It’s a dream to be part of such a world," she said, highlighting producer Siddharth Anand’s style of presenting women glamorously. She also teased the mystery surrounding her character, Farah, saying, "A lot of people have asked me about my role, and I love that—because that’s the mystery my character brings."
Ahlawat, known for his intense roles, also reflected on breaking new ground with a dance sequence, ‘Jaadu,’ which surprised many. "No one had seen me dance before, so it was a fun challenge," he said, praising his co-stars for their support. Looking ahead, Kapoor expressed a desire to explore more emotionally intense roles, contrasting with the more restrained characters he’s known for.
In a recent interview, Ahlawat also discussed his surprising dance skills, recalling how growing up watching Govinda and Mithun Chakraborty in the 90s influenced his love for dancing. He mentioned that he actively participated in dance competitions during his college days, a fact that many are unaware of. "My friends have known me since school. They once joked in a group, calling me the 'killer dancer' because of my passion for dancing during our college days," he added.
As the film approaches its release date, the anticipation continues to build. Ahlawat has solidified his place in the industry as a versatile and respected actor, known for his strong performances in both films and web series. He first gained attention with his role in Gangs of Wasseypur and later became popular for his portrayal of Inspector Hathiram Chaudhary in Paatal Lok. With his powerful screen presence and detailed acting, Ahlawat has earned a reputation as one of the top talents in modern Indian cinema.
As the excitement around Jewel Thief grows, fans are eager to see how Ahlawat's dance moves will play into the film's narrative and whether his performance will redefine his career in a new light. The film is set to premiere on Netflix on April 25, 2025, promising a thrilling ride filled with action, suspense, and unexpected twists.
