“A film like The Diplomat definitely deserves a larger audience,” says Vidhatri Bandi –

Vidhatri Bandi on The Diplomat:

John Abraham’s The Diplomat, based on a true event, is currently showing in cinemas. Young actress Vidhatri Bandi portrayed one of the pivotal roles in the film alongside John’s character. She played Seerat, a female officer at the Indian Embassy in Pakistan. The talented actress shared candidly with us about the film, her opinions on the story, her experience working with John Abraham, and the box office success.

Q. The Diplomat is quite a sensitive film, featuring a female character tortured by her husband. Hypothetically, if you had the power to change that as an officer, what would you have done?  

Vidhatri: Firstly, I have immense admiration for Uzma Ahmed for displaying sheer courage to extricate herself from such a dire situation. I cannot imagine how hard it must have been for her to find the hope and strength to not only figure out a way to escape but also to execute it. What I love about my character Seerat is that if she hadn’t been so fierce and confident, especially when everyone in the organization doubted Uzma, she would not have been the only one to believe in and stand by her. If I had the power to change anything as an officer, I would encourage and mentor more women to be like Seerat—who isn’t afraid to speak her mind, go after what she wants, stand by her truth, and confront toxic masculinity (and violent men) when necessary.

Q. While Sadia’s character suffers from trauma and fear, your character presents the stronger side of women. How was it immersing yourself in the character while filming?  

Vidhatri: The only two words Shivam Sir used to describe my character Seerat were “strong and intimidating,” and I rightfully incorporated those traits. Even in real life, I’m quite a rebel and an opinionated person, and I definitely allowed those aspects of myself to influence the character, which helped me slip into her personality more effectively.

Q. John has always been known as a humble guy on sets. Did you find that to be true? How was your experience working with him, and was it challenging to stand opposite a senior actor and excel as an individual?

Vidhatri: Yes, that’s true. He’s extremely humble and has great energy to be around. It’s one of my most cherished experiences to have been on the same set as him and to learn from him. And no, it wasn’t challenging at all, only because he made it so comfortable not just for me, but also for the rest of us to completely feel like we belonged there. He’s funny and a huge prankster as well! He is forever curious about everyone and genuinely makes an effort to get to know his co-actors.

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Q. The Diplomat has done decent numbers at the box office, but the current wave only prefers commercial cinema, sequels, and big event movies. Do you think a film like The Diplomat should have done better or deserves a larger audience?

Vidhatri: It definitely deserves a larger audience, but I feel we have done great considering the current scenario and how the industry has been suffering for some time now. I’m extremely proud of the film and how it impressed the audience, and I know it will only do better after it comes to OTT and more people will show it the love it deserves.

Q. What’s in your future slate? Any dream projects or wish list? Any films signed up yet?

Vidhatri: I do have one film that’s yet to be released, and yes, there are a lot of other different characters I wish to play and dream directors I want to work with, some of whom are Rajkumar Hirani, Ayan Mukerji, and Farhan Akhtar. The list will go on, but these are at the tip of my tongue now, haha!

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