I learnt Rajasthani for Chidiya Udd: Upen Chauhan

After enjoying work with Meghna Gulzar in Sam Bahadur, Upen Chauhan is back in Chidiya Udd in which he plays a proud Rajasthan Prince. In an exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle, Upen talks about his work experience with Jackie Shroff and the learnings so far.

How did you prepare for the character in Chidiya Udd?

Playing Dhananjay Rana was an interesting experience for me because, as a Rajput, the cultural nuances were pretty familiar. But to really get into his character, I had to understand his mindset—where pride and loyalty to family are everything, even if it means going to extreme lengths. I hired a Rajasthani language teacher, got all my dialogues translated, and learned the language from him. It was important for me to get the dialect and tone just right, so I put in the effort to make it as authentic as possible. Growing that proud handlebar mustache for the role was a game-changer—it honestly made me feel like I was Dhananjay!

What really makes Dhananjay stand out is his relationship with his father. It’s almost like the roles are reversed. He loves and cares for his father the way a father would for his son. He stands by him no matter what—there is no parameter of right and wrong when it comes to his father.

⁠What was your experience working with Jackie Shroff. What was the most valuable lesson you learned from him during the filming of Chidiya Udd?

Working with Jackie sir was a great learning experience—not just as an actor and a professional, but more than that, it was a lesson in being a loving human being. He treats everyone around him with so much love and respect, no matter who they are. His talent and ease in front of the camera are unquestionable, but what’s amazing is that he still wants to learn from newcomers like us. He would often ask me about my process and how I approached certain scenes—he was genuinely curious. On the last day of my shoot with him, he hugged me with so much warmth and gave me his email ID, saying, “Kuch bhi hoyega na toh bolna mere ko!”

⁠Tell us about your character in the web show?

I play Dhananjay Rana, a proud prince from Roopjas, Rajasthan. He carries the weight of his family’s royal legacy and is the most powerful man in Roopjas. Sehar, the girl around whom the story revolves, is from my area, and her mother works for my father, Rana Saab. But then, something big happens—Sehar hurts my father and runs away. For Dhananjay, it’s no longer just about finding her; it’s about defending his father’s honor and making her pay for what she did. Using his power and intelligence, Dhananjay tracks Sehar to Kamathipura, Mumbai. Determined to settle the score, he lands in the city, ready to turn everything upside down. That’s where the real chaos begins.

⁠How does Chidiya Udd differ from your previous projects you have done?

I’m lucky that way—I have always gotten to work on projects that are totally different from each other. But Chidiya Udd stands out, especially because of my character. This time, I am playing a royal man from Rajasthan, which was a new experience for me. I even learned Rajasthani to make it authentic. What makes this project even more special is that my character rules the parallel world in the story, adding a unique edge to it. And we shot in the real lanes of Kamathipura, which gave the show an even rawer and grittier feel. These are just a few things that made Chidiya Udd an exciting project for me!

⁠You have played a range of roles in your career, from Bhaukaal to Sam Bahadur. What do you look for when selecting a project, and how do you choose your roles?

For me, selecting a project comes down to three key things—the team, the character, and the story’s world. The team behind the project is really important because filmmaking is a collaborative process. Working with passionate and committed people always brings out the best in me.

When it comes to the character, I look for something that stands out. It should have its individuality in the story, not just exist to move the plot forward. There has to be something distinct about it—whether in its mindset, journey, or how it interacts with the world. Plus, it excites me if it is completely different from what I’ve already done.

And finally, the story itself—it should excite me, make me feel something instantly. If a script can do that, I know it’s worth diving into.

⁠Tell us about your experience in Sam Bahadur

Sam Bahadur's experience was one of the most beautiful for me. The character of Pakistani Army Chief Tikka Khan was interesting, requiring me to physically transform twice. Working with Meghna Gulzar was a beautiful experience. Working with such a passionate storyteller is the kind of experience where all an actor's hard work and effort truly pay off.

⁠What's next for you after Chidiya Udd? Are there any upcoming projects or genres you're eager to explore?

Yes, there are two more projects—one for Applause Entertainment and another for Zee5. I can’t reveal the names, but both are very interesting and different from what I’ve already done. The Zee5 project is a slapstick comedy film, which I have co-written and acted in a comic role. As for Applause's project, the character is something I am very excited about. I would love to talk about it in detail once it’s announced or released.