Jaideep Ahlawat on Paatal Lok, Raazi and the Journey of an Outsider in Bollywood

It was a decade ago that Jaideep Ahlawat first came into notice with Priyadarshan’s Khatta Meetha, followed in the same year by Aakrosh. Since then, he has been part of notable films such as Gangs of Wasseypur, Vishwaroopam, Raees and Lust Stories. However, it was his role as Khalid Mir in Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi that truly made audiences take serious notice of the Rohtak-born postgraduate in English, who later honed his craft at FTII, graduating in 2008.

With his striking portrayal of Hathi Ram Chaudhary in the web series Paatal Lok, Ahlawat firmly established himself as one of the most compelling actors in contemporary Indian entertainment.

In an interview with SAURABH TANKHA, the 42-year-old actor speaks about his experience on Paatal Lok, his journey in Bollywood without a godfather, playing the antagonist in Khaali Peeli, and his upcoming projects. Excerpts:

What was that “special something” in Hathi Ram Chaudhary of Paatal Lok that drew you to it?

Hathi Ram Chaudhary is a policeman constantly grappling with questions about his life, along with internal and external conflicts that many people face. That’s what makes him so relatable. From strained personal relationships to professional struggles, he is fighting multiple battles while trying to prove his worth. He is vulnerable, and along the way he encounters many intriguing people on a journey of self-discovery. All of this made Hathi Ram a very special character, and I believe he will stay with me for a long time.

Your WhatsApp DP says “ditto Babuji ki copy ho Hathi Ram Chaudhary.” What preparations did you do for the role?

Since Hathi Ram is a Delhi cop, writer Sudip Sharma gave me the freedom to decide his background. I chose Haryana because I belong there, which made it easier to connect with the character. As an actor, you absorb small nuances from people around you, and I drew a lot from my father for Hathi Ram’s mannerisms, including his walk.

The WhatsApp DP is symbolic of that connection. What fascinated me most was that Hathi Ram is a vulnerable man who has never really been given such a layered role before—a man who feels like a failure yet is desperate to prove himself. That arc made it very exciting for me as an actor.

How was the Paatal Lok experience?

It was truly a one-of-a-kind experience. There has been significant growth in my career, and I’m grateful for it. The show reached a wide audience, and the appreciation has been overwhelming. I hope new directors, writers, and producers continue to trust me with varied roles and stories. I’m open and ready for more opportunities.

Why did Khalid Mir in Raazi leave such a lasting impression despite your earlier work with big filmmakers?

I think it was the mysterious nature of the character. Meghna Gulzar told me that it was inspired by RN Kao, the founder of RAW. Not much is known about him, which gave the character its ambiguity. I built his personality from imagination, references, and observation of people I had encountered.

Meghna already had a clear vision: the character should remain unreadable. No emotion—anger, fear, or intent—should be visible on the surface. Everything had to stay internal. That restraint is what made Khalid Mir memorable.

I also followed different films, documentaries, newspaper articles etc. But one thing was sure that it has to come across within the context of the syllabus. He couldn’t be a James Bond but any other person who has been in the business for a long time. One thing Meghna told me was that when the film gets over, no one should get to know who exactly Mir was. There is nothing that should be clear on his face. Emotions like anger or fear should remain inside and shouldn’t show anything to anyone. Nothing could be more significant than his mission. I think those are the reasons why the character was so authentic and left such a lasting impression on cinegoers.

How difficult is it to make a place in the industry without a godfather? Any advice for newcomers?

Getting a first break is still difficult today. When you don’t know anyone, you often don’t know where to begin. But one cannot wait passively for opportunities. You have to put yourself out there and make yourself visible. That’s the most important thing for newcomers.

How was your lockdown period?

I don’t watch much television, except occasionally binge-watching. During the lockdown, things changed drastically, especially promotions, which became virtual. I did interviews lasting eight to nine hours, continuously discussing Paatal Lok—which was a very interesting experience in itself.

Tell us about Khaali Peeli and your upcoming projects.

Playing the antagonist in Khaali Peeli was challenging because it was a typical Hindi film villain, different from what I had done before. I hope I did justice to the role. Apart from that, I have a film for Netflix lined up, though details are still under wraps.

Will web series define the future of entertainment?

Technology always evolves. Just like smartphones changed the way we consume content, OTT platforms have expanded possibilities for storytelling. I believe OTT will continue to grow globally and offer many opportunities, especially in India.

However, cinema will always remain important. The experience of watching a film in theatres cannot be replaced. Both mediums will coexist, each with its own significance.