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Bollywood News Updated Jul 9, 2026

Adil Hussain Reveals Bharatanatyam Prep for '52 Blue' Role

Actor Adil Hussain has spoken about the challenges of learning Bharatanatyam for his role in '52 Blue'. He plays a father who was a Bharatanatyam dancer from Kerala but returns to fishing after a tragedy. The film is set to screen at the London Indian Film Festival. Hussain praised the director as a dreamer who overcame personal and societal issues to make the film.

Adil Hussain opens up on learning Bharatanatyam for '52 Blue'

Mumbai, July 9

Actor Adil Hussain, whose film '52 Blue' is set to be screened at the ongoing edition of the London Indian Film Festival, has spoken about his preparations for his part in the film.

The actor spoke with IANS recently, and shed light on the deeper aspects of his character in the film. He essays the role of a father who had fulfilled his own dream being a Bharatanatyam dancer from Kerala. His character had also been a rebel but because of a tragedy, he decided to stifle the dream of his son.

Talking about his part in the film, he told IANS, "So, for me, it was also that I had to also learn how to do Bharatanatyam. And then also, because of the situation in the story, I had to take up my forefather's business of becoming a fisherman again. So I had to deal with boats and nets and dancers. So it was very challenging for me".

He further mentioned, "I thought, let me give it a try. And rarely in Indian cinema, you get roles which will challenge you so much, unfortunately. So, yeah, these are the very important aspects. And of course, the director, when I had a chat with him, I immediately liked him as a person. He's also a dreamer who had to defy all his personal problems and his societal issues to become a film director and a producer".

Earlier, the actor had said that '52 Blue' will create empathy in people, as he said, "I feel that cinema of this nature, this kind of cinema introduces the world toward the nuances of a particular group of people".

"And, when the story manages to sort of penetrate the deeper realities of each and every character or situation from a particular part of the world, then it is almost as if you have visited that country", he added.

— IANS

Reader Comments

Priya S

Interesting premise - a father who achieved his dream but then suppresses his son's. So many Indian parents can relate to the subtle generational pressure. Hope the film handles it sensitively.

Vikram M

Honestly, it's refreshing to see a male actor learning Bharatanatyam for a role. Classical dance is still seen as 'feminine' in many parts of India. Breaking stereotypes one film at a time! 💪

Michael C

This sounds like a really beautiful character study. I love how Indian indie films are exploring complex family dynamics and cultural traditions. The London Indian Film Festival is perfect for this kind of storytelling.

Rohit P

Adil bhai is absolutely correct about Indian cinema lacking challenging roles. We have so many talented actors wasted in formulaic masala films. Hope '52 Blue' gets the recognition it deserves at festivals. 🇮🇳

Jennifer L

The film's title '52 Blue' makes me think of the loneliest whale in the world. Art imitating life? Looking forward to seeing how a father's suppressed dream affects his son. Sounds deeply moving.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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