In a landscape of heist dramas filled with wit and levity, ‘Crew’ stands out not only for its unique premise but also for the powerhouse performances delivered by a star-studded ensemble cast. One such standout performance is by Trupti Khamkar, who embodies the role of a tenacious police officer, S.I. Mala. In an exclusive dialogue with midday.com, Khamkar discussed her journey with ‘Crew’, her experience with her fellow cast members, and her perspectives on the industry’s inclination to pigeonhole actors.
The film ‘Crew’, acclaimed for its humor and engaging storyline, follows the lives of three women navigating through the trials of the aviation industry which leads them into a tangled mess of deception. Within this comedic turmoil, Trupti Khamkar shines, breaking away from the stereotypical roles often handed to her. Speaking to midday.com, the actress conveyed the liberating sensation of eschewing the sari and Marathi ‘Bai’ persona for the rugged aesthetics of a police uniform.
Khamkar humorously shared her initial reaction upon getting the part, indicating a sigh of relief at the prospect of no longer being confined to the role of a housemaid—a part she would only reconsider if the remuneration were substantial. Delving deeper into the conversation, she highlighted that there’s a wealth of untapped potential within her as a performer, and she’s thrilled that ‘Crew’ could serve as a platform for audiences and directors alike to witness her versatility beyond comedic roles rooted in Marathi culture.
Typecasting, a prevalent concern among actors, is an issue Trupti Khamkar acknowledges without fear. The actress opened up about the double-edged sword of recognition in the film industry, where visibility can often lead to repetitive casting. Yet, she holds onto an optimistic view, stating that the value she brings to her characters is distinctive, and that her breadth of work has the potential to unlock new opportunities for diverse roles in the future.
In the collaborative tapestry of filmmaking, she says, every ensemble actor plays a pivotal role in bringing life to a scene. Trupti lauded her co-stars Diljit Dosanjh, Kriti Sanon, Tabu, and Kareena Kapoor for their generosity and team spirit on the set of ‘Crew’. Instead of vying for the spotlight, she felt uplifted by the collective effort to serve the story as a whole, something she considers the hallmark of truly great actors.
The commendation bestowed upon her co-stars by Trupti isn’t without merit, as the film’s cast features some of Bollywood’s most dynamic and acclaimed performers. Each one brings their own gravitas to the narrative, enhancing the film’s resonance with audiences.
‘Crew’ transcends the limitations of its comedic heist confines by immersing viewers in the personal struggles and camaraderie of its lead characters. As a story centered around three women caught in a series of unfortunate, if humorous, mishaps, ‘Crew’ moves beyond being a simple laugh-riot to a film with heart and a message about the unpredictability of destiny.
Khamkar’s candid reflection on her experience with ‘Crew’ epitomizes the essence of filmmaking as a collective endeavor and affirms the significance of every character, regardless of the role size. Her outlook on career progression and the inevitability of typecasting in the entertainment industry provides an insightful perspective for both her peers and aspiring actors.
In closing, Trupti Khamkar’s role in ‘Crew’ stands as a testament to her abilities to transcend the expected, to shine brightly in an ensemble cast, and to anticipate the thawing of any industry stereotypes, with a promising future ahead, replete with a spectrum of roles that showcase her full range of talent.
