Working with Nana Patekar Was Fantastic: Roop Durgapal on Sankalp

Mumbai: Actress Roop Durgapal is making a strong return to the screen with Prakash Jha’s much-awaited web series Sankalp, where she shares screen space with heavyweight actors including Nana Patekar, Sanjay Kapoor, Neeraj Kabi, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub.

In the series, Roop plays Madhuri, the supportive and intelligent wife of an IPS officer portrayed by Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub. Speaking about the project, Roop revealed she was in the middle of theatre rehearsals for a play when she received the call to audition. She accepted the opportunity without hesitation, excited to enter the web space through a Prakash Jha project.

“The strong cast, including Nana Patekar, Sanjay Kapoor, and Neeraj Kabi, made the project even more exciting for me,” she shared. “It also felt great to be paired opposite Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub.”

Roop described Madhuri as a simple yet strong woman from Bihar — educated, understanding, and unwavering in her support for her husband’s demanding and often dangerous job. To prepare for the role, she drew upon her extensive theatre background and conducted thorough research into the real lives and struggles of IPS officers’ wives. She even curated a special music playlist to emotionally connect with her character.

Before filming began, Roop met director Prakash Jha, who offered valuable guidance. She found the entire preparation process deeply fulfilling because the role was markedly different from her previous work.

One of the highlights of the experience for Roop was shooting her very first scene in the series with veteran actor Nana Patekar. “Working with Nana Patekar was fantastic,” she said warmly. The scene was intense, yet surprisingly, she felt no nervousness. “Nana sir was very supportive and helped me during the shoot by maintaining the same energy even during my close-up shots.” Both Nana Patekar and Prakash Jha were pleased with her performance, leaving Roop deeply encouraged.

Reflecting on web content in general, Roop emphasised the importance of choosing roles that align with her personal values and comfort level. “I never felt uncomfortable or worried about bold scenes or language in this project,” she clarified. “I believe in choosing work that matches my values and personality. According to her, if an actor is not comfortable, it shows on screen, so it’s important to respect personal boundaries.”

While Sankalp marks a significant step in her digital debut, Roop clarified that she was never truly away from acting. During this period, she worked on several short films and a feature film that is slated for release soon. She also used the time for personal growth — focusing on her singing, practising yoga, travelling, and going on treks.

“Experiencing life is very important for an actor,” Roop noted. “It helps them grow both personally and professionally.”

Her balanced approach to career and self-development reflects a mature understanding of the demands of the entertainment industry. From theatre roots to researching real-life inspirations for her character, Roop Durgapal’s preparation for Sankalp showcases her dedication to authentic storytelling.

As audiences anticipate Prakash Jha’s latest offering, Roop’s positive experience — particularly her memorable first scene with Nana Patekar — adds an extra layer of excitement to the series. With her grounded perspective and commitment to meaningful work, the actress appears poised for exciting new chapters in both digital and traditional entertainment spaces. Her journey serves as a reminder that thoughtful preparation and personal comfort are key to delivering performances that truly resonate.