Didn't think my performance would make the impact it did'

Triptii Dimri has emerged as the scene stealer in Sandeep Vanga Reddy’s Animal with her uninhibited performance as Zoya, the antagonist who is also the love interest of Ranbir Kapoor’s Vijay in the film.

Overwhelmed with the adulation coming her way, she says it has gone way beyond her expectations. “This is something that excites you as an actor and motivates you to do better. I honestly didn’t know it would leave the impact it has,” says Triptii.

The actress, who made her debut in Sajid Ali’s Laila Majnu in 2018, came under the spotlight with her performance in Anvita Dutt’s Bulbull followed by Qala.
Acknowledging that Animal was way out of her comfort zone, she confesses that she gave in to Sandeep Reddy’s vision, knowing that her screen time was limited. “I knew nothing about the story, he only described Zoya to me, saying she was the negative character and integral to the narrative. It was challenging because usually with characters like these there is a template you follow, but she is such a bundle of contradictions, it was exciting. I am glad the audience connected with her.”

Animal, which is minting money at the box office, has also been making headlines for its violent content and on-screen nudity. Videos of Triptii’s and Ranbir’s characters sharing an intimate moment on screen have gone viral, drawing mixed reviews from fans and audiences.

Triptii shares that she was initially disturbed by the comments and reactions. “I was like, why can’t they see that this is a story, until someone told me that the day you become an actor you are letting yourself out in the world. People are entitled to their opinions. So, I focussed on the 80% that was good and ignored the remaining 20%.”

She also reveals that Sandeep Reddy had told her he wanted to explore the ‘Beauty and the Beast’ image, but would only do so if she was comfortable with it. “Since it was a requirement of the script, I agreed. To make me comfortable, all monitors were switched off and there was just me, Ranbir, the director and the DOP on set when we filmed the scenes,” she says, adding, “As an actor, you need to separate yourself from the character.”

The film is a manifestation of her desire to work with Ranbir Kapoor. Triptii describes him as a brilliant actor who is sheer magic on the set. “I was very nervous on my first day, especially since I have been a fan of his. So, standing across from him I kept thinking about how I performed; but he was just so kind, and observant. He came to me saying, ‘please don’t worry or be nervous,’ and gave me a lot of confidence. That apart he also made sure I voiced my opinions and concerns on set.”

In fact, Triptii seems to have a knack for making her dreams come true – she has ticked two other co-stars on her bucket list too - Rajkummar Rao and Vicky Kaushal – in Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video and Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam, slated to release next year. Five years old in the industry, Triptii has had her fair share of struggles. “It has a lot to do with me taking it easy. There was a time that I didn’t have work for two years, but I kept faith that something good would come my way. I detach myself from the outcome and neither do I have a fear of missing out; acting is just a job I do, there are other aspects of my life that I need to focus on as well,” says the 29-year-old.

“I was like, why can’t they see that this is a story, until someone told me that the day you become an actor you are letting yourself out in the world.”