EXCLUSIVE: Upendra Limaye on the underwear scene in Animal, “Even a regional actor might not have done the scene, which Ranbir Kapoor did”

Upendra Limaye has played a memorable cameo in Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

December 8, 2023 - 3:30 PM IST

Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal, which has created a Tsunami at the box office, is praised for the performances of Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Rashmika Mandanna. But among these popular names, Marathi actor Upendra Limaye has gained applause too despite playing a cameo.

EXCLUSIVE: Upendra Limaye on the underwear scene in Animal, “Even a regional actor might not have done the scene, which Ranbir Kapoor did”

Limaye had to be a part of a crucial and high-octane action scene just before the interval. Apart from mouthing dialogues in Marathi, the scene also demanded him to give his underwear to Ranbir, as per the situation.

During an exclusive video interview with Bollywood Hungama, Upendra said that he was hesitant to do the role altogether because of it being a cameo and the boldness of the scene. But Sandeep Reddy Vanga convinced him.

Upendra said, “Sandeep explained to me about that scene. I felt that this can be the reason for me not doing the film. Like, how can I do this? But Sandeep was very much convinced. He told me not to think how this will happen in a situation. He said that he has placed the scene in the screenplay in such a way that it will be justified, and that he will maintain the dignity of the characters.”

Upendra is all praise for Ranbir’s courage to do that scene. “100 marks to Ranbir,” he said. “Even a regional actor might not have done the scene, which Ranbir did. I went crazy after watching the whole film; the way he surrendered to the character.”

It was Ranbir’s commitment towards Sandeep Reddy Vanga that encouraged Upendra to say yes for the role. “I thought I will be working only for 3-4 days with him (Vanga). And Ranbir will be working with him for 100 days and still he is convinced. Then I should go ahead. Plus, Sandeep had assured me to not worry as the dignity would be maintained. There was a dialogue where I say, ‘Yeh boxer bixer se kaam nahin chalega. Correct brand ka correct chahiye.’ A lot of it has got edited. He said that if the attack happens in such a situation and if he is only wearing a lungi, the protagonist will obviously ask for a cover. He will say, ‘Do out ho gaye, abdomen guard de.’ And there is that characterization by Sandeep. There is a tiger’s picture on it,” said Upendra.

When asked his reaction after watching the scene on the screen, Upendra said, “I had understood that (scene) during the actual shooting. I just wanted to see how the public receives it and how it appears after editing. For me, as an actor and performer, that was the only excitement. It worked like anything.”

Upendra also revealed that he has been receiving crazy responses from the Marathi audience. He said that there have been a lot of reels being made on his scene which are getting millions of views and thousands of comments on Freddy’s dialogues like ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Kandhe pe haath nahin rakhne ka.’

Also Read: Animal Box Office: Has an excellent trend in Week 1, stays over Rs. 25 crores mark on Thursday