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Saqib Saleem on 'Kaptaan' Role: A Hero Who Doesn't Try to Be One

Saqib Saleem was drawn to his role in 'Kaptaan' because his character, SSP Samardeep, doesn't seek to be a conventional hero or validation. He highlights the character's quiet strength and actions stemming from a deeply personal, fractured place. Saleem also discusses his positive off-screen dynamic and collaborative process with co-star Poojaa Gor. The show, now streaming, explores the grey areas of justice through an instinct-driven police officer.

Key Points: Saqib Saleem on Playing SSP Samardeep in 'Kaptaan'

  • Character lacks traditional heroism
  • Motivated by personal fracture
  • Explores moral grey areas
  • On-screen chemistry with Poojaa Gor
2 min read

Saqib Saleem on playing SSP Samardeep in 'Kaptaan': He does not try to be a hero

Actor Saqib Saleem reveals what drew him to his role in 'Kaptaan'—a character defined by quiet presence and personal motives, not heroics.

Saqib Saleem on playing SSP Samardeep in 'Kaptaan': He does not try to be a hero
"Samardeep does not try to be a hero. He isn't chasing validation. - Saqib Saleem"

Mumbai, April 8

Bollywood actor Saqib Saleem has spoken about playing SSP Samardeep in the show 'Kaptaan' and said that what stood out for him was that his character does not try to be hero.

Opening up about what drew him to the role, Saqib said in a statement, "Honestly, the first thing that stood out to me was that Samardeep does not try to be a hero. He isn't chasing validation. He walks into a room, and the energy shifts."

"That kind of presence is rare to find on paper. Also, he speaks very little, which works great for me. In real life, too, I'd pick fewer lines and more attitude any day."

He added: "But on a serious note, what really stayed with me is that everything he does comes from a deeply personal place. He is not fixing the system out of the goodness of his heart. He is doing it because something within him is fractured."

Saqib said that the emotional undercurrent made the character far more compelling to explore as an actor.

Headlined by Saqib Saleem and Siddharth Nigam, Kaptaan also features Anjumm Shharma, Kavita Kaushik, Poojaa Gor, and Anushka Kaushik, among others.

Directed by Jatin Wagle, Kaptaan leans into a space where justice rarely plays out in black and white, but lives somewhere in between. It follows SSP Samardeep, an instinct-driven encounter specialist who operates on his own terms, shaped as much by his past as by the system he's navigating.

Speaking about his camaraderie with Poojaa Gor, Saqib said: "Poojaa is an incredibly sorted actor and person, which, honestly, can be a little annoying because I'm neither. But she brings a certain calm to both the set and the scenes."

"Our characters share a layered, complicated relationship, and off-screen we spent a lot of time discussing what's left unsaid, the subtext, the backstories. Those conversations really added depth."

He shared that Poojaa also has a great sense of humour.

"So in between intense scenes, we were mostly joking around and pulling each other's legs. It helps keep things balanced; otherwise, a show like this can get quite heavy while shooting."

"Kaptaan" is now streaming on Amazon MX Player.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Finally, a show that understands grey characters. Our system is complicated, and heroes are rarely purely good. Saqib's insight about the character being fractured and acting from a personal place is deep. Hope the execution matches the concept.
R
Rohit P
Sounds interesting, but I'm a bit skeptical. MX Player originals have been hit or miss for me. The cast is good though – Saqib, Siddharth Nigam, and Poojaa Gor. Will give the first episode a try this weekend. Fingers crossed! 🤞
M
Meera T
Love that he highlighted his co-star Poojaa Gor. It shows a secure actor. Their off-screen camaraderie translating to a layered on-screen relationship is always a good sign. The Indian OTT space needs more such mature, character-driven stories. All the best to the team!
D
David E
As someone who enjoys Indian content from abroad, this interview piqued my interest. The concept of justice not being black and white is universal. Saqib seems to have put thought into his role. Will check it out if it's available in my region.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I hope the show doesn't just glorify an "encounter specialist" without showing the moral complexity and consequences. It's a sensitive topic in India. The actor's approach sounds nuanced, so here's hoping the writing is equally strong.

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