In an exclusive conversation, Divyenndu Sharma opens up about his contrasting roles as a gangster in the acclaimed series Mirzapur and a police officer in the upcoming thriller Saali Mohabbat, premiering on ZEE5 on December 12, 2025. He sees these characters as "different sides of the same coin," exploring the complexities of human nature and morality.
Divyenndu, known for his versatile performances, gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Munna Tripathi, a volatile and power-hungry gangster in Mirzapur. The role showcased his ability to embody dark and complex characters, leaving a lasting impression on audiences. Some of his memorable dialogues from Mirzapur include "Hindi film ke hero hai hum; humein koi nahi maar sakta, hum amar hai".
In stark contrast, Saali Mohabbat features Divyenndu as Ratan Pandit, a local police officer investigating a double murder in a small town. The film, directed by Tisca Chopra, stars Radhika Apte as Smita, a housewife whose life takes a dark turn as she becomes entangled in emotional and psychological conflict. The narrative explores themes of betrayal, trust, shifting identities, and moral ambiguity within relationships.
Divyenndu describes Ratan as a "fully realized human," existing in the gray areas of morality. He emphasizes the challenges of portraying a character with emotional contradictions, striving for authenticity without creating a caricature. To prepare for the role, Divyenndu researched real-life emotional experiences, observed complex relationships, and reflected personally to authentically portray Ratan's struggles. He immersed himself in the character, stating, "It wasn't about playing Ratan, it was about becoming him on set".
The actor found the role demanding yet rewarding, expressing satisfaction in seeing the audience connect with Ratan. His performance captures the nuanced line between love and obsession, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor.
Saali Mohabbat marks Tisca Chopra's directorial debut and features an ensemble cast including Radhika Apte and Anurag Kashyap. The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Dinesh Malhotra, Vipin Agnihotri and Manish Malhotra under Jio Studios and Stage5 Production. A star-studded screening was held on December 9, 2025, attended by celebrities such as Karan Johar and Kajol.
Divyenndu's ability to transition from the menacing Munna Tripathi to the earnest Ratan Pandit showcases his range as an actor. He expertly navigates the complexities of both roles, highlighting the "different sides of the same coin" that explore the human condition. Saali Mohabbat promises to be a suspenseful thriller that delves into the intricacies of relationships and the blurred lines between truth and illusion.
