Actor Deepak Dobriyal has been cast in a role closely modelled on India’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal in political satire Lollypop Since 1947.
Dobriyal will play an ‘aam aadmi’ (common man) who becomes a political force.
“I play a salesman who becomes a member of parliament,” said the actor, who has featured in films such as Omkara, Gulaal and Dabangg 2. “It’s role that every supporter of Kejriwalji would immediately recognise.”
Dobriyal says the role required immense preparation, especially since it is being directed by a member of a political family.
“It’s directed by Anirudh Chautala, who is the former Haryana chief minister Devi Lal’s grandson,” Dobriyal said. “The film has a very clear wake-up message for the masses... very close to what Arvind Kejriwal has attempted to put forward.”
Next up for for Dobriyal is Sooraj Barjatya’s Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, a film in which the actor says he has a substantial role.
“Salman Bhai’s [Salman Khan] company is lucky for me,” he said. “I had just a few scenes with him in Dabangg 2. Commuters to this day stop my car at traffic signals and call out for me with my name ‘Gainda bhai’ from Dabangg 2.”
