Verses of War: When friendship knows no border

Having wrapped up Verses of War, Rohit says short film explores bond between Pak Army official and Indian PoW

When Verses of War came his way, Rohit Roy was given the opportunity to choose the role he wanted to slip into — a Pakistani Army official or an Indian soldier who is taken prisoner of war [PoW]. The actor chose the former, intent on changing the way the army across the border is depicted on screen. “It was a tough call to play a Pakistani officer, considering how they are portrayed in Hindi films. Audiences dislike them. But in Verses of War, I wanted to overcome the audience’s hatred [for the character], and make them empathise with him. I chose this role because I wanted to prove to myself that I am a good actor,” says Roy.

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The Prasad Kadam-directed short film traces the unlikely friendship between the Pakistani officer and the PoW, based on their shared love for poetry. “It’s a sensitively written film,” he says. Vivek Oberoi plays the Indian soldier in the drama that was wrapped up last month. 

Roy is now focusing on Forensic, which sees him share screen space with Vikrant Massey and Radhika Apte. “Vikrant is one of the most nuanced actors of this generation, and handles his fame well. Radhika is a fireball and an enthusiastic actor,” he says. Roy praises his co-stars for their grounded nature — a trait he admits he didn’t have in his early years. “After Swabhimaan, I didn’t handle my success well, and then I didn’t have any work. But today, I can be counted as a dependable actor. I want to reach out to the young actors who gain momentum after a hit show and then get lost [in oblivion] because they don’t focus on the most important thing — their craft. I want to tell them that one doesn’t become a superstar after one [successful] outing.”

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