Lalit Prabhakar, known for his work in acclaimed Marathi films like Anandi Gopal, Zombivli, Smile Please, and more is gearing up for his Bollywood debut in Ground Zero. Directed by Tejas Deoskar and starring Emraan Hashmi in the lead, the movie is set to release in theatres on April 25, 2025. Lalit spoke exclusively to Bollywood Hungama about filming his debut, experience of working with Emraan and other interesting things.
Ground Zero is your first big-budget Hindi film. What was your first day on set like?
We began our journey in Kashmir, heading straight to the BSF camp for training before the shoot commenced. Spending a few days there prior to filming was a significant experience for me. This film stands out as we were shooting on real locations and undergoing authentic BSF training to portray soldiers accurately. I was genuinely thrilled about this opportunity. Whether it’s a Hindi or Marathi project, I deeply value any process that brings me closer to my character.
What major differences did you notice between Marathi cinema and Hindi cinema, especially in terms of the shooting process?
The primary distinction between working in Hindi and Marathi cinema lies in the scale of production. Hindi films often operate with larger budgets, expansive crews, and broader audiences, while Marathi films typically work within more modest means. However, regardless of these differences, the essence of filmmaking remains consistent.
How was your off-set experience working with Emraan Hashmi?
Working with Emraan Hashmi was a truly positive experience. Despite his many years in the industry, his sincerity and dedication to his craft were evident every day. He would arrive on set fully prepared, focused, and ready to work. Emraan isn’t someone who engages in a lot of small talk; instead, he lets his professionalism speak for itself. There was never any pressure or ego on set, just a shared commitment to delivering our best.
What was your preparation process for the role? Ground Zero is set against a very intense backdrop. How did you emotionally prepare for such a role?
For this film, we didn’t undergo formal emotional workshops because the feelings required were already deeply ingrained in us. Even though we’re not soldiers, the emotions of patriotism and pride are instilled in every Indian from childhood. That’s why films like Border resonate so deeply with us; we connect with them as if we are actually on the front lines. These sentiments are so natural that we didn’t need external training to evoke them. However, we did focus on physical training. We learned how to handle rifles, adopt the correct body language of soldiers, and maintain proper form while wearing the uniform. This training was essential to authentically portray the physicality and discipline of a soldier on screen.
Director Tejas Deoskar guided us through the emotional journey of our characters, ensuring that each soldier portrayed had a distinct personality and emotional depth. This approach allowed us to authentically convey our roles, highlighting the unique traits and experiences of each individual in the narrative.
What drew you to this script? What made you say yes to Ground Zero?
This film was meant to be my first Hindi project, and I waited a long time for the right opportunity. I didn’t want to rush into just any project simply because it was in Hindi. Having worked extensively in Marathi cinema with talented individuals and reputable studios, I was fortunate to be part of films like Anandi Gopal directed by Sameer Vidwans, Zombivli by Aditya Sarpotdar, and Chi Va Chi Sau Ka by Paresh Mokashi. In each of these projects, I made a conscious effort to ensure that my characters were distinct from one another. Whether it was Medium Spicy, Hampi, or Smile Please, I aimed to portray roles that not only differed in appearance but also in essence.
So, when considering a transition to Hindi cinema, I wondered if I could continue this pattern, could I find a role that was unique, something I hadn’t explored even in Marathi films? This film presented the perfect opportunity for my Hindi debut. The setup was excellent, and being associated with Excel Entertainment, a production house known for its impactful cinema, added to the project’s appeal. I’ve grown up watching films on the big screen, and while I appreciate various mediums like OTT platforms, it has always been my dream for people to see me in theaters. In today’s era, having a theatrical release is significant, and this film fulfills that aspiration.
How was the experience of shooting in Kashmir, especially with the locals?
Shooting in Kashmir was an unforgettable experience. There’s a certain magic in the air, and the warmth of the local people made every moment special. The locals were incredibly welcoming and helpful, making our time there even more memorable. Being close to the BSF soldiers was particularly inspiring. Observing their daily routines up close gave us a profound appreciation for their dedication and the sacrifices they make to protect our nation. While we’ve often seen portrayals of their lives in cinema, witnessing their discipline and commitment firsthand was truly enlightening.
There wasn’t a need for extensive improvisation. The script was clear about the character’s journey, so we just had to follow it. Since the film is based on true events, our characters were real, and we approached them accordingly.
You’ve done a lot of acclaimed work in Marathi cinema. Do you feel regional cinema has shaped you as an actor in a unique way?
Yes, definitely. I owe a lot to the amazing filmmakers I’ve worked with. Each director has challenged me to go beyond my limits and discover new aspects of my acting abilities. In my debut film, Chi Va Chi Sau Ka, director Paresh Mokashi encouraged me to unlearn the habits I had developed from television, guiding me towards a more nuanced performance. Then, in Anandi Gopal, I portrayed a character I never imagined myself playing. It was a role that demanded the full range of my abilities, voice modulation, body language, and expressive eyes. In Zombivli, under Aditya Sarpotdar’s direction, I stepped into the shoes of a character from a rural background, distinct from the urban roles I had previously undertaken. This character had a unique physicality, with a supernatural element where his hand became almost a separate entity. It allowed me to delve into physical comedy and action sequences. Medium Spicy presented a different challenge. My character was more of a listener, someone who responded and absorbed rather than initiated.
Such roles are rare and don’t have many references, making the experience both challenging and enriching. In Sunny, I portrayed a character undergoing a significant transformation. Showcasing this journey, how his body language and demeanor evolved, was a fulfilling experience. Working in Marathi cinema has provided me with a platform to collaborate with visionary storytellers and explore a diverse range of characters. It’s been a journey of continuous growth and discovery.
Looking ahead, what kinds of roles or stories are you excited to explore next?
I’m always hungry as an actor, there’s nothing I want to leave unexplored. I don’t want to look back and regret not trying something, so I strive to take on all kinds of roles, whether it’s comedy, action, or drama. To be ready for any opportunity, I continuously work on myself and prepare to embrace whatever comes my way.
More Pages: Ground Zero Box Office Collection , Ground Zero Movie Review
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