Actor Durgesh Kumar, who is known for his performances in Panchayat and Laapataa Ladies, is thrilled about the re-release of Highway, the 2014 road drama directed by Imtiaz Ali. Speaking about the film’s return to the big screen, he told ETimes, “I’m feeling great! It’s wonderful to showcase my work again, and people are watching it. That makes me really happy.”
The film, which starred Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda, has gained cult status over the years. Durgesh noted that many young women have expressed how the film remains relevant today. “They feel the film carries a universal theme. I also showed it to 65 of my friends, and they appreciated my performance, saying I deserve more good projects.”
The actor also visited theaters to gauge the audience’s response firsthand. “Yes, I watched two shows and plan to watch it again on the 13th. I saw a lot of applause during the dance scene and the opening sequence.”
Reflecting on the making of the film, Durgesh recalled the unique atmosphere on set. “The environment was very down-to-earth. Director Imtiaz Ali, along with Abhishek Roy, Tanmay Rastogi, and our ADs, focused on maintaining the authenticity of the characters. Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda would sit with us and eat, making the experience very collaborative.”
He further praised his co-stars, saying, “Alia Bhatt once appreciated my dance, and Randeep Hooda guided me on dialects. It was a very immersive experience.” About working with them, he added, “They are both very down-to-earth.”
Durgesh underwent intense preparation for his role in Highway. “I shot for 45 days, and for authenticity, I didn’t bathe for 25 days. I even stayed awake for 2-3 nights to understand the mindset of a man on the run. My training at NSD and the Repertory Company helped a lot. I also learned driving for a month and trained in the Gujarati dialect for seven days.”
He had high praise for Alia Bhatt, who was still early in her career when the film was released. “Despite her young age, she was incredibly mature in her approach. She remembered all her lines perfectly and delivered an outstanding performance.”
Speaking about Randeep Hooda, he said, “He was very dedicated. He physically transformed for the role and stayed in character throughout. We had great conversations about acting and theater.”
Durgesh described Imtiaz Ali as an insightful director who played a crucial role in shaping his performance. “He taught us that camera acting should be subtle rather than theatrical. He treated us like students, guiding us through every scene.”
However, despite the bond formed during filming, Durgesh admitted that he has not stayed in touch with the cast and crew. “No, I haven’t been in touch with anyone for the last 18 years. We have all been busy with our own journeys.”
With Highway returning to the big screen, Durgesh Kumar hopes the film’s enduring appeal continues to resonate with audiences. While he acknowledges the challenges of the industry, his dedication to his craft remains unwavering. “People still want to watch it, discuss it, and appreciate the performances,” he said, embracing the film’s place in Bollywood history.
