After making her presence felt in the OTT space, Commando 3 actress Angira Dhar is now looking forward to the release of Runway 34,which stars Ajay Devgn and Amitabh Bachchan. The film has also been directed and produced by Ajay. According to the actress, working in the film has been a great learning experience, as she got the opportunity to share screen space with megastars like Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn and the versatile Boman Irani.

She says, “Imagine being part of a film, which features the crème-de-la-crème of Bollywood. It is difficult to stand in the same frame as Mr Bachchan and there are no two ways about it (smiles). He is a great artiste. I would get goosebumps while watching Bachchan sir deliver his monologues. It is so amazing to know that even though he has been in the business for so long, whatever project he lays his hands on, he does it with such great passion.”

She adds that actor-director Ajay Devgn was careful to build an atmosphere of comfort for the newer talents on the set as well. “Ajay sir made sure that all his actors felt at home. He was very mindful that there are newer actors with him in the film. There is a reason why these people are superstars. On top of being great actors, they are great human beings as well. That’s how they build their team and relationships and that is what helps resonate with the audience,” she says.

Angira, who plays Radhika Roy, a defense lawyer in Runway 34, has also dabbled in direction and writing. And she acknowledges that this multifaceted skill has helped her garner a sound understanding of the extensive filmmaking process.

She says, “I used to work as an assistant director in ad films. I feel that actors who are technically sound are easier to work with and make the process even more fun. Acting is a cerebral profession, which requires your body, mind, and heart to be aligned, and having experience in different filmmaking departments aids a lot in that alignment. In fact, one of my biggest takeaways from this film was seeing Ajay Devgn in action both as an actor and a director, and knowing how technically strong an actor can be as a director, too.”

The actress, who has seen success on OTT (with Bang Baaja Baaraat) and the big screen with (Commando 3), has bigger plans — of turning director someday. Angira, who is married to actor-filmmaker Anand Tiwari, says, “I think more like a director because I have that background. I would like to write and direct something of my own definitely. It is very inspiring to see a star like Ajay sir doing what he wants to do — whether it is acting, directing or producing. To be able to have the power, and to do it with such flair… it’s fascinating!”