In Dhurandhar: The Revenge, where violence, politics and intense drama dominate the screen, you don’t expect a quiet moment to stand out – but it does. A simple scene featuring young Ahida Sarmai brings a soft, emotional touch to the story. It’s short, but it stays with you, reminding you that even small moments can make a big impact.
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A small moment, a big emotional impact
There’s a simple scene in the film that says a lot without trying too hard. When Major Iqbal, played by Arjun Rampal, walks into his home, the mood instantly softens. His daughter, played by Ahida, is busy painting a family portrait. He sits beside her, admires her work, and shares a tender moment before asking his wife to take her inside.
It’s a short scene, but it does something powerful – it shows a different side of a brutal man otherwise defined by conflict and duty. In that one interaction, the film lets us see Major Iqbal not just as an ISI Major, but as a father.
Humanising the antagonist
Characters in high-stakes political dramas – especially antagonists – often feel distant or larger than life. But Ahida’s presence changes that dynamic for Major Iqbal. Through her, the audience connects with Major Iqbal on a personal level. His vulnerabilities, his love, and his quieter emotions come to the forefront.
This emotional layer adds depth to the narrative. It reminds viewers that behind every uniform is a person with a family, responsibilities, and emotional ties. And in a film filled with tension, this balance works beautifully.
Representation that feels real, not forced
Ahida Sarmai’s casting is also significant for another reason – representation. As a child with Down Syndrome, her inclusion in a mainstream Bollywood film is a step towards more inclusive storytelling.
What works here is that her character isn’t treated as a token or a statement. She simply exists within the story, naturally and meaningfully. Her role isn’t about highlighting her condition – it’s about showing her as part of a family, just like any child. That subtlety makes the representation feel genuine.
A journey backed by courage and support
Beyond the camera, Ahida’s journey is just as inspiring. With strong support from her family, she has pursued her passion for acting with confidence. Her performance in Dhurandhar: The Revenge proves that talent and determination go far beyond limitations.
At a special screening in Mumbai, the young actor received heartfelt appreciation from her Dhurandhar co-stars Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun, apart from director Aditya Dhar. It was a moment that highlighted not just her performance, but the impact she created despite limited screen time.
Does her role truly matter?
It’s fair to ask – does such a brief role really make a difference? In this case, the answer is yes. Ahida’s presence may not drive the plot forward, but it strengthens the emotional core of the film. She gives the audience the scope to understand an important character – Major Iqbal.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what a story needs – not more action or drama, but a moment of quiet truth.
Ahida Sarmai’s role is a reminder that even the smallest characters can have the biggest impact. And hopefully, it also opens the door for more inclusive and heartfelt storytelling in mainstream Bollywood.
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‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.indiatoday.in ’
