Actor Heital Puniwala, known for his work in films like Oh My God, PK, Bang Bang, Gabbar Is Back, Judwaa 2, and Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, along with web series like Special OPS, believes that authenticity in acting comes from preparation and simplicity.
Having worked across multiple genres, the actor says his approach remains consistent. Instead of overcomplicating performances, he focuses on understanding the script and bringing genuine emotions to the screen.
📖 Simplicity Is the Foundation of His Acting Style
To begin with, Puniwala emphasizes keeping his acting process simple. According to him, natural performances emerge only after fully understanding the script.
“When a character comes to me, my approach remains simple. Naturalness comes after reading the script three or four times,” he shared.
Moreover, he explained that reading the full script helps him understand the character’s journey. It also gives him clarity about emotional tone, relationships, and motivations.
“If I get the full script, I read it once or twice. By reading it, you understand what the character wants, what it says, and in which situation it’s speaking. Once you understand these things, the character becomes approachable,” he added.
🎭 Analysing Dialogue and Intent
Once he understands the character, Puniwala moves on to analysing dialogue. This, he says, is a crucial step in achieving natural performances.
“After understanding the character, I focus on why the lines are spoken, how they are spoken, and what purpose they serve. Once you understand this, acting naturally becomes easy,” he explained.
Additionally, he believes that actors should not try to “act” deliberately. Instead, they should respond truthfully to the situation. This, according to him, makes performances more believable and relatable.
🌟 Modern Audiences Prefer Realistic Performances
Furthermore, Puniwala pointed out how acting styles have evolved over the years. He believes that today’s audiences prefer realism over exaggerated performances.
“In the old days, acting was more about showing a character. Today, whether it’s Hollywood or Bollywood, audiences want natural performances. They don’t want acting; they want realness,” he said.
This shift, he believes, has encouraged actors to focus more on authenticity.
🎬 When Bigger Performances Are Required
However, Puniwala also acknowledged that exaggerated performances can sometimes be necessary. According to him, it all depends on the character’s demand and the director’s vision.
He cited veteran comedian Johnny Lever as an example.
“If there’s a demand for a bigger performance, actors like Johnny Lever sir shine through their gestures and body language. You can’t ask them to be too subtle. Their style works because it suits the character,” he explained.
✨ Let Characters Breathe Naturally
In conclusion, Puniwala believes that actors should avoid restricting themselves. Every character, he says, requires a unique approach.
“Every character has its own space. You shouldn’t constrain it. When you understand the role, naturalness follows automatically,” he concluded.
With a career spanning films, web series, and diverse genres, Heital Puniwala continues to champion authenticity—proving that sometimes, the simplest approach delivers the most powerful performances. 🎬✨
