Naveen Kaushik, fondly known as Donga in the hit film Dhurandhar, has been winning praise for stepping into a world far removed from the urban boss roles he has played for nearly 15 years. In an exclusive chat with mid-day, the actor opened up about his journey, his long-standing desire to explore grittier characters, and how the film became a deeply personal milestone.
Kaushik began by reflecting on the professional mould he had been boxed into. “I’ve spent almost 15 years doing roles that were based on office bosses… because the first big part I ever did was Rocket Singh, where I played Ranveer Kapoor’s manager,” he said. That early image created a perception he struggled to break. “The work centred around offices, bosses, authority-type figures… and people weren’t able to see me in a role like this before.”
The turning point arrived when casting director Mukesh Chhabra called him for Dhurandhar. Kaushik recalls, “He said, Listen, there is another part… I want you to go meet Aditya because I feel this part is perfect for you. It’s got everything you’ve been wanting to do — action, comedy, roughness, a dark side.”
A single meeting with director Aditya Dharr sealed it. Kaushik was blown away by the character’s depth. “Right there and then, I said, So I’m doing this film.”
The name ‘Donga’ and its roots
Even his character’s quirky name had an unexpectedly funny origin. “I asked him why the name Donga… I know Donga in Punjabi means a big bowl to put food in. My character is slightly roundish… so is it because he looks like a round bowl?” Kaushik recalls asking. “He gave me a slight smile and said, yeah, that’s the reason.”
The actor praised the detailed world-building. “Before the film came to any actor, everything was worked out — names, nicknames, places they go to.”
A set that felt real
The recreated Lyari in Bangkok reminded Kaushik of his childhood. “I grew up in old Delhi… I could feel the grime, the heat, the narrowness, the claustrophobia of the gullies.” He added, “There are sets that look fake, sets that look real, and then sets that feel real. This one actually felt real.” From angithis with real fire to food smells wafting through the alleys, the environment pulled the actors into character completely.
For Kaushik, the film’s sequences evoked memories of the 26/11 attacks, the Parliament attack and the Kandahar hijacking. “A lot of us born in the 80s and 90s saw it unfold on TV. We wanted to do something but felt helpless.”
Acting in Dhurandhar was cathartic. “This is our tribute to the people who suffered… I’m doing my little part to make you hate me as the character, so you can feel the rage we felt.”
The dream action sequence with Akshaye Khanna
Kaushik’s favourite moment? The heroic action sequence where Donga almost saves Akshaye Khanna. “It was a dream come true… I’d never gotten the opportunity to do something really gritty.”
The team ensured he felt confident in every stunt. “Even if you make a mistake, we have backups… We’ll do it again.” His improvised battle cries even got Aditya’s approval. “He came to me with a sly smile… he said, That looks good, keep it up.”
Now that the “boss” stereotype has been shattered, Kaushik hopes the industry sees his true range. “I really want to spread my wings… something unique, something interesting.”
Genres he’s eyeing? “I am damn scared of horror… I watch horror movies on mute. But I want to try something in horror. And more action… maybe an army movie. Murder mysteries, too.”
With Dhurandhar, Naveen Kaushik has finally stepped into the world he always wanted, raw, intense and authentic. And if his performance as Donga is any indication, this is just the beginning of a long-awaited second act.
