I can’t replicate Padmaavat’s Khilji or Chhaava’s Aurangzeb to portray Tughlaq: Chirag Jani

Chirag Jani, who has previously appeared in Tamil films like Thunivu, Kaappaan and Agilan , will next appear as Muhammad bin Tughlaq in Mohan G’s period drama Draupathi 2. In a chat with us, the actor shares that he went all in to play the role of the antagonist. “Since the film is based on a true conflict between Muhammad bin Tughlaq and King Veera Vallala III of the Hoysala dynasty, I learnt horse riding and sword fighting for my role. I also had to wear heavy film film costumes. It was challenging but fun being Muhammad bin Tughlaq,” he shares.

For Chirag, being original and avoiding similarities to past portrayals of Sultans was key. “There weren’t really any film references to play him. I can’t replicate what Ranveer Singh did as Alauddin Khilji in Padmaavat or Chhaava’s Aurangzeb (played by Akshaye Khanna),” he says, adding, “I researched history. Muhammad bin Tughlaq was kind but also ruthless, with multiple graphs The actor as Tughlaq in a still from the The actor as Tughlaq in a still from the to the character.” Delving into the challenges he faced playing an antagonist, Chirag states, “In Draupathi 2 , there are scenes where I had to be really cruel. I was uncomfortable performing those scenes, but, at the end of the day, we are actors, and we have to perform.”




Stressing that he wants to explore his versatility, Chirag shares, “Earlier, I mostly did action and drama. But I want to be a versatile villain like Prakash Raj, who is in a zone to portray supporting roles, comedy or action. I don’t want to be typecast as a villain. I want to be a character artiste who can perform anything.”