Stepping into the footsteps of one of India’s most hated terrorists is not a role many actors would willingly accept. but for Lalit Prabhakarto portray Ajmal Kasab There was more to the upcoming film ‘Prahar’ than just another performance. when Rajkumar Rao Special Public Prosecutor Introduction Essay Nobody is brilliantLalit takes on the daunting task of playing the face behind one of the darkest chapters in India’s history. For the actor, it became an opportunity to challenge himself, push his boundaries and be a part of a story that revisits the truth of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Lalit talks about landing the iconic role, understanding Kasab’s psychology, revisiting the painful memories of the attack and why he believes it is one of the most important roles of his career.
How Lalit Prabhakar landed the role of Ajmal Kasab
“I got a call for an audition, and I went. We should appreciate people who always look at actors from a different perspective. The makers behind my character, who envisioned me playing Ajmal Kasab, should be applauded because they believed I could do it, and this opportunity came my way. , he said.When asked about the choices she has taken as an actor, Lalit shared, “The choices I make as an actor have also made it possible for me to reach here. I have always tried to do films that don’t stick to my image. I want the audience to see different versions of me. I deliberately choose films that break my established image and surprise or confuse the audience. Projects that present a completely different side of me. Audiences have always supported my work and look forward to seeing me in different roles. So, I took up the challenge because I knew the audience would too.”When Lalit was asked if it was difficult to play the role of the most hated person in India? He admitted and explained, “It was a challenge, a very difficult role for various reasons. First, I had to understand Kasab’s psychology on screen and act accordingly. I had to catch the nuances of his language, which is different from ours, and adapt to his body language. But more than that, I wanted to do something that I hadn’t done myself. I have always wanted to see myself in roles that were not envisioned for me. I like to expand my boundaries.”
Lalit says the content of the film was equally important in convincing him to say yes.
“Before taking up any project, I always look at what the film is trying to say and what it wants to convey as a whole. This film tells the truth. It is based on true events, and the facts are not distorted. That’s why, I don’t feel any regret doing it.“My character is very important to the film. Without him, the original story remains incomplete and cannot be told. It is a very important part, and I think it is a big thing to get such a challenging role.”
Lalit Prabhakar says, 26/11 I never seem to forget
Recalling where he was on the night of the Mumbai attacks, Lalit says the memories are as vivid as ever.“I was in Mumbai. I was rehearsing for a play. Even today, the memory of that horrible night hasn’t faded. Obviously, it’s a scar. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that incident. When we go to those places, we still think about how it happened. How did it happen? And how huge and tragic that incident was.”The actor says that every visit to the attack sites still brings back haunting memories.“I’ve traveled through the CST many times, but every time you go to that place, you have those thoughts—how did it happen and why did it happen. “And because of that, I have tremendous respect for our entire police force, our task force and the system. The way they handled everything and solved the case… The more I learned through this film, the more I admired them.”For Lalit Prabhakar, portraying Ajmal Kasab was never meant to glorify a terrorist. Instead, it was about serving a larger narrative — one that revisited one of the darkest chapters in India’s history while paying tribute to the courage of those who fought. The actor believes that taking on tough, unconventional roles is what keeps him growing and Kasab has undoubtedly become one of the most demanding and defining roles of his career.
