‘I Want To Carve My Own Path’

Medha Rana may have a brief role in Border 2, but her portrayal of Varun Dhawan’s wife has left a lasting impression. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Medha opens up about her big-screen debut, surviving the long wait as an outsider, and her hopes for the road ahead.

How are you dealing with the praise?

It’s honestly overwhelming. I’m still absorbing all the love coming my way. Border 2 is a film made with immense hard work and deep respect for our nation’s brave hearts, so the appreciation feels like the universe giving back to the film and the armed forces it honours.

How did the role come to you?

I auditioned in October 2024 through Mukesh Chhabra sir’s team and went through multiple rounds. After a final meeting, Anurag sir and Mukesh sir told me I was locked for the role—we celebrated with jalebis! I was so overwhelmed that I cried, and the first person I called was my mother. She got emotional too.

What was it like working with Varun Dhawan?

Varun has been incredibly kind and supportive. I was initially intimidated—he’s such a big star and we were on a massive set—but from day one he made everything feel easy and natural. Because of him, my inhibitions disappeared. I couldn’t have asked for a better co-actor for my big-screen debut.

Is the industry especially tough on newcomers, particularly women?

It’s tough, no doubt, but not impossible. Many outsiders have built their careers from scratch. Being taken seriously requires the right opportunities, consistent hard work, and people who believe in you. I’ve been fortunate to work with supportive collaborators and learn along the way. Going forward, I want to carve my own path, explore diverse characters, and be part of stories that truly deserve to be told.