Monika Panwar’s commitment to her craft is unmistakable, particularly in her latest role in the surrogacy-centered film ‘Dukaan’. Fully embracing the responsibility of headlining a feature, Panwar sets ‘Dukaan’ apart as her most valuable endeavor to date. In a testament to her dedication, the actress embarked on a cultural immersion journey to Gujarat, intent on perfecting the intricacies of the character she was set to portray.
Well-aware of the significance of authenticity, Panwar arrived in the vibrant state of Gujarat two weeks before filming commenced. She delved into an investigative process, absorbing the essence of the local way of life. “I went to Gujarat two weeks earlier to begin my observational exercises. Mingling with the locals, imbibing their energy, and picking up on their body language and dialect is the most practical way of getting into the character,” Panwar explained. This detailed preparation followed her notable performances in the 2019 hit ‘Super 30’ and the popular web series ‘Jamtara—Sabka Number Ayega’.
The challenge, as Panwar soon discovered, lay in the subtle balance between making the accent discernible yet authentic. This task required careful navigation, something she did not have to face alone, thanks to the guidance of the film’s writers and directors, Siddharth-Garima. They provided Panwar with the linguistic coaching she required. “One can’t dive deep into the accent as it has to be comprehensible to the audience. At the same time, it can’t be superficial,” she acknowledged. With Siddharth-Garima’s familiarity with Gujarati – born from their work with celebrated director Sanjay Leela Bhansali on ‘Ram-Leela’ in 2013 – they could effectively direct Panwar on intonation and emphasis to embody the local speech accurately.
But Panwar’s preparation transcended language acquisition. She sought to embody the character’s essence truly, a journey that led her through the bylanes of Gujarat, interacting with women who served as the unspoken muses for her role. Learning the dialect was just the beginning; mastering the cadences, the humor, and the heartfelt expressions of Gujarati women was vital to bringing her character to life.
During her time in Gujarat, Panwar also explored the socio-cultural dimensions that her character, a surrogate mother, might navigate. Surrogacy, a complex and emotive issue, required a nuanced understanding. Through conversations and personal stories, Panwar gathered experiences, which later served as an emotional blueprint for her performance.
As the shooting unfolded, the production team noticed the transformation. Panwar’s hard work paid dividends; she was no longer playing a role but living it. The cast and crew members, some of whom hailed from Gujarat, commented on the accuracy with which she captured the character’s spirit, validating her immersive approach.
The anticipated release of ‘Dukaan’ presents a platform not only for Panwar’s talent but also her unwavering commitment to her characters. Audiences will likely appreciate the depth of her performance, enriched by the time spent among the very people she aimed to represent.
Monika Panwar’s journey in preparation for ‘Dukaan’ serves as a vivid reminder of the lengths to which an actor will go to honor the authenticity of their role. Her efforts paint a picture of respect for the craft, the culture of Gujarat, and the audience that seeks a slice of reality on screen. ‘Dukaan’ promises to be a cinematic experience that transcends mere storytelling, providing a window into a world shaped by Panwar’s earnest and heartfelt portrayal.
