Harshita Gaur opens up about working with Divyendu in Waiting Hai, returning to the Mirzapur universe and Jitendra Kumar stepping into a role previously played by Vikrant Massey.
Harshita Gaur has found herself exploring a strikingly different equation with Divyendu years after their characters were connected through the intense world of Mirzapur.
In Mirzapur, Gaur played Dimpy Pandit, the sister of Ali Fazal’s Guddu Pandit and Vikrant Massey’s Bablu Pandit. Divyendu’s Munna Tripathi was at the centre of the violence that transformed the Pandit family’s lives.
Now, in the web series Waiting Hai, Gaur plays Princy, the wife of Divyendu’s character. Speaking to Hindustan Times, the actor discussed the contrast between the two projects, her experience of working with Divyendu and her return to the Mirzapur universe in its upcoming movie adaptation.
Harshita Gaur says actors focus on characters, not their previous equations
For Gaur, playing Divyendu’s wife after their very different Mirzapur relationship did not become a major concern while shooting Waiting Hai.
She explained that actors approach every project by focusing on the characters they are portraying, while audiences understand that those roles exist within different fictional worlds.
Gaur said the bigger achievement was seeing viewers embrace the characters of Sugam and Princy in Waiting Hai, much as audiences had previously connected with Munna and Dimpy.
‘Princy’s strength is very quiet’
Gaur also spoke about the relationship between her character Princy and her mother-in-law, played by Sunita Rajwar.
She described working with Rajwar as a particularly rewarding experience, saying the veteran actor gave her the space and support required to build their scenes.
Princy is also different from many of Gaur’s previous characters. Rather than expressing strength through confrontation, the character communicates her resolve through small, understated actions.
Gaur pointed to a scene in which Princy is repeatedly told that certain belongings can be picked up and taken away. Instead of getting into an argument, she quietly picks up a suitcase and walks away.
For Gaur, that moment captures the character’s approach to strength.
She also highlighted the often-overlooked emotional labour performed by women who manage households, relationships and family responsibilities. According to the actor, Princy represents women whose contribution may not always be visible through conventional ideas of professional success but who often serve as an emotional anchor for their families.
Harshita Gaur praises Divyendu as a co-actor
Gaur had equally warm words for Divyendu, describing him as enjoyable to work with both on and off camera.
She praised his acting ability and said working opposite him creates an environment where another performer can experiment without becoming overly conscious.
Gaur also pointed to the contrast between Divyendu’s Mirzapur character Munna and his role in Waiting Hai, describing the two as dramatically different performances.
Beyond acting, she said Divyendu’s humour and wit also contribute to a lively atmosphere on set.
Who keeps the Mirzapur set relaxed?
When asked about the person who helps keep the mood light during the often-heavy Mirzapur shoots, Gaur named director Gurmmeet Singh.
She noted that the series frequently involves emotionally intense and grim sequences, making it important to have someone who can maintain a lighter atmosphere between takes.
According to Gaur, Singh plays that role for the cast and crew.
What makes Mirzapur different from other crime dramas?
Gaur believes the appeal of Mirzapur goes beyond its violence and crime-driven storyline.
She described the show as a story about two boys who gradually become the kind of people they initially feared. For her, the series also worked because the violent world was built around recognisable family relationships.
She recalled the early sequence involving Munna entering a seemingly intimidating family environment before the audience discovers a more ordinary household behind the situation.
That contrast, Gaur suggested, helped viewers connect with the story because the family dynamics could feel familiar despite the extreme circumstances surrounding them.
The combination of everyday relationships and a violent crime narrative became an important part of the show’s appeal, in her view.
Harshita Gaur recalls working around Ravi Kishan
Gaur also praised Ravi Kishan, who is part of Mirzapur The Movie, although she noted that they do not share many scenes.
While Kishan primarily works with other members of the cast, Gaur said they spent considerable time together away from the camera.
She particularly admired his enthusiasm and storytelling ability. Despite his decades-long career, she said Kishan retains a youthful energy and approaches performances with the enthusiasm of someone experiencing them for the first time.
For Gaur, that willingness to remain curious and energetic is something other actors can learn from.
Harshita Gaur on Jitendra Kumar replacing Vikrant Massey
One of the more significant changes in the Mirzapur movie is Jitendra Kumar taking over a role previously associated with Vikrant Massey.
Gaur acknowledged that entering an established fictional universe can be challenging when audiences have already developed a connection with the actor who originally occupied that space.
She said she could understand why such a transition might feel difficult from an actor’s perspective.
However, her experience on the set was different from that concern. Gaur said Kumar integrated into the project so naturally that the cast did not feel a noticeable difference in their working dynamic.
“He seamlessly became a part of this journey to the point where it felt like he was always there,” she said.
Gaur also stressed that Kumar’s acting ability means the performance itself is not necessarily the biggest challenge. The greater task, in her view, is stepping into a world that already has an established audience and history.
Harshita Gaur on rejection, waiting for work and staying motivated
The actor also offered an honest perspective on the uncertain periods between acting projects.
Rather than describing unsuccessful auditions as “rejection,” Gaur prefers the term “non-selection.” Her reasoning is that an actor may simply not fit what a particular role requires, rather than being personally rejected by someone.
However, she acknowledged that prolonged periods without work can affect an actor’s motivation and confidence.
Her approach is to remind herself that another opportunity could be only one job away.
Gaur also emphasised the importance of continuing to work on oneself between projects, including paying attention to mental health.
Why Harshita Gaur believes actors need financial stability
Gaur also highlighted the financial uncertainty that comes with an acting career.
According to her, actors can benefit from having an additional source of income because work opportunities and earnings are not always consistent.
She pointed out that maintaining a career and continuing to develop professionally also requires financial resources.
Social media, she noted, has created additional opportunities for performers to earn through projects outside conventional acting work. For Gaur, that kind of financial flexibility can allow actors to remain selective about the projects they pursue.
