Siddharth Jadhav on ‘Gandhi Talks’: Being part of such a film with Vijay Sethupati and Arvind Swamy feels like a privilege- Exclusive

Known for his impeccable comic timing and deep roots in Marathi theatre and cinema, Siddharth Jadhav is all set to surprise audiences with a completely different cinematic experience. The actor will be seen in the upcoming silent film ‘Gandhi Talks,’ starring Vijay Sethupathi, Arvind Swamy, Aditi Rao Hydari, Usha Nadkarni, and Rohini Hattangadi in pivotal roles.Directed by Kishore Pandurang Belekar, ‘Gandhi Talks’ is a rare, dialogue-free film that relies on emotions, ambient sound, and music by A R Rahman to tell its story. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Siddharth speaks about the challenges of performing in a silent film, the trust his director placed in him, working with stalwarts like Vijay Sethupathi and Arvind Swamy, and why this project feels like a milestone in his 25-year-long career. First of all, mime and silent film are two very different things. In a silent film, you are not 'acting silently', you are actually listening. You listen to the ambience, to the surrounding sounds, and to your own emotions.When we cry normally, there is sound and that sound reaches the audience. But when you cry and there is no sound at all, it becomes far more emotional. It’s like when a child cries so much that his voice disappears the emotion then comes entirely through the body. That is what ‘Gandhi Talks’ demands from you. This film is a tribute to our very great father of Indian cinema, late Shri Dadasaheb Phalke.Expression, body language, and music become your language. And in this film, if there is a hero after us actors, it is A.R. Rahman, sir.Every emotion whether through a flute, a violin, or a full orchestra is extremely difficult to compose. When Rahman sir saw the film, he said, “If you want to see my soul, watch this film.” That says everything. His music carries emotions where words don’t exist. I had seen Mr. Kamal Haasan's 'Pushpak' while I was very young, so personally, even I had this question on how are we going to do this. But our director Mr. Belekar had so clear vision that he brought this vision on screen flawlessly.‘Gandhi Talks’ feels like my life and my career coming together. When the trailer was released, people commented, saying they felt happy seeing me in such a role that they liked this side of Siddharth Jadhav. That really touched me.Vijay Sethupathi also mentioned that while I’m celebrating 25 years in the industry, my love for Marathi cinema and theater is something he admires. Moments like these make you feel grateful. I told Mr. Sethupathi that many of our audience in Maharashtra admire his work. Learning about the same, he felt obliged and admitted that coming this appreciation from an actor from another industry means a lot to him. Why this film is so special to me is because I started my career in 2000, and now after completing 25 years in the industry, being part of such a big project means a lot to me.They are both incredibly simple, grounded, and brilliant actors. Vijay Sethupathi is extremely easy to work with, when you’re on set, you’re not working with the star, you’re working with the character.There’s one moment where Arvind Swamy, Vijay Sethupathi, and I are all in the same frame—that itself is a big thing for me. I remember telling Vijay, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier you were part of this?” (laughs). That’s how naturally everything came together.Kishore Belekar had a very clear thought everyone in this film is silent because money speaks. That undercurrent runs throughout the movie.There are surrounding sounds, atmospheres, and music but no dialogues. It’s a pan-Indian film not because of language, but because emotions don’t need translation.Yes, there’s a disco song where all the characters are in a pub. The choreography was done by Kriti Mahesh, and it was amazing. I’m literally on the floor, dancing and enjoying myself. To be in a frame with Vijay Sethupathi and Arvind Swamy, dancing, that’s a moment I will always cherish.I truly believe being part of this film is a privilege and a matter of great luck. I completely trust Kishore Belekar, he had a clear vision and believed in me.As I celebrate 25 years in the entertainment industry, doing a film like ‘Gandhi Talks’ reminds me why I fell in love with acting in the first place. I enjoy every moment of this journey.