When silences speak louder than words

Wamiqa Gabbi recounts how it was emotionally draining to play the role of a mute woman in Mai

Wamiqa Gabbi caught the attention of many with her earnest performance in Grahan (2021). Up next, she has Mai, the Netflix noir thriller that sees her play a mute woman. When her character is killed under suspicious circumstances, her mother — essayed by Sakshi Tanwar — is determined to uncover the truth behind her death. “My character has a dark journey in the show. You don’t come across roles that are as unique as Supriya. I learnt the sign language to play the part. Playing her gave me perspective on  people who don’t have the ability to speak and/or hear. We take these things for granted,” says Gabbi.

If NH10 (2015) and Paatal Lok (2020) are any indication, producer Karnesh Ssharma has a knack for backing gritty crime thrillers with a strong emotional core. Gabbi says her character is the catalyst in the Atul Mongia creation. “It was emotionally draining to play the part. But at the same time, there was a pleasure in being so [creatively challenged]. After every scene, Atul used to hug me and ask if I am okay.”

Sharing screen space with Tanwar was a source of joy as well as nervousness for the actor. She remembers being apprehensive before the workshops. “I have seen her work all these years, and she is amazing. I was initially nervous to work with Sakshi. We broke the ice when we started doing our workshops together. Most of my scenes are with her.”

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