The Jewel Thief is unlike anything I have done before, says Jaideep Ahlawat

He is the most familiar face in Hindi cinema and OTT shows. After tasting success with projects like ‘Raazi’, ‘Maharaj’, ‘Jaane Jaan’ and ‘Paatal Lok’, Jaideep Ahlawat is now looking forward to his next—‘Jewel Thief’. In an exclusive conversation with Deccan Chronicle, the actor talks about his preparation process and what it feels to be compared to the likes of the late Irrfan Khan.

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Your ability to transform into characters is remarkable. How to you prep for a role, especially one as complex as Hathi Ram Chaudhary in Paatal Lok?

Every character demands something different, and for me, it starts with deep observation and understanding. Hathi Ram Chaudhary isn’t just a cop, he’s a man burdened by his past, driven by his duty, and constantly wrestling with his own demons. I spent a lot of time studying his world. It’s about layering the character with nuances that make him feel real, not just on screen but in the audience’s minds.

Paatal Lok Season 2 has been a massive success. What do you think resonated with audiences, and how did you tap into the character’s emotional depth?

I think audiences connect with Hathi Ram because he is flawed yet deeply human. He doesn’t have the luxury of being a hero in the traditional sense, but his journey, his struggles, and his resilience strike a chord with people. For me, the key was to stay true to his emotions, to feel his anger, his helplessness, his determination, so that every moment felt honest. Season 2 pushed him even further into the darkness, and it was both a challenge and a privilege to bring that to life.

You have played a wide range of characters, from Hathi Ram to the RAW officer in Raazi. How do you ensure that each performance is distinct and memorable?

I approach every character as if it’s the first time I am stepping into their shoes. The mannerisms, the thought process, everything has to be unique. Even if two characters are from the same world, their perspectives and life experiences make them different. That’s why I try to dive deep into the psyche of every role, making sure that they feel authentic and not just another version of me.

Your upcoming project, ‘The Jewel Thief’, promises to be another genre-defining performance. Can you give us a glimpse into your character?

‘The Jewel Thief’ is unlike anything I have done before. The character has lot of shades and element of mystery to him. The look is different than any of my other characters too and it was fun to get into the shoes of this role. The teaser has already sparked curiosity, and I can’t wait for the audience to experience the full ride.

You have been hailed as today’s Irrfan Khan, which is a tremendous compliment. How do you feel about this comparison, and what do you think sets you apart as an actor?

It’s humbling to be mentioned in the same breath as him. He was a legend and will always be, his path and journey is unmatchable and will always be remembered. On the other hand I am trying to build my journey with my own experiences, and will continue to grow through it all.

Your physical transformations for roles are impressive, including your weight loss for Paatal Lok and Maharaj. How do you balance your physical and mental well-being while preparing for a role?

Physical transformation is just one part of the process. But beyond that, I focus a lot on mental conditioning, understanding the character’s mindset, their fears, their motivations. It’s about immersing yourself completely but also knowing how to step out of it when needed.

With multiple exciting projects ahead, what drives your choice of roles?

I look for stories that excite me, characters that challenge me, and collaborations that push me as an artist. Whether it’s The Jewel Thief, Maharaj, or anything else in my slate, I want to keep exploring different shades of human nature. At the end of the day, I want my work to stay with people, to make them think, to move them in some way. That’s what truly drives me.