Gitikka Ganju Dhar on her ‘Dhurandhar’ journey, love for farsaan, and working with Bollywood biggies: ‘Ranveer is well-behaved; his mother has done a great job’

When I started anchoring for the stage, it was the norm that the shelf-life of women live hosts would be but a few years. Every five years, I slashed that norm and just kept working, kept getting engaged in important work on stage as an anchor. When I look back, I feel quite satisfied. I have been allowed to host some of India’s most iconic events over the last two decades. And then, acting in Dhurandhar, Laal Singh Chaddha and Tanaav, it has been quite the Dhurandhar journey! I feel gratitude every instant.

Q. How and when exactly did Dhurandhar come your way? What made you sign on the dotted line?

Gitikka Ganju Dhar: Mukesh Chhabra (casting director) has been quite the Santa for my film career. All my film and OTT castings have been enabled by his agency. In Dhurandhar‘s case, the executive mentioned the director’s name, and I was like, “Let’s do the screen test now!” And look, I was right: every actor in this path-breaking film was led by the captain of the Dhurandhar spaceship into cinematic history – India’s highest-grossing film ever (in a single language).

 

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Q. How was the experience of working with actors like Rakesh Bedi, Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, and others?

Gitikka Ganju Dhar: It was a lovely, happy experience. I marvel at how kind, empathetic and well-behaved Ranveer is on set. His mother has done a great job bringing him up. He is a glorious winner all the way! Rakesh Sir is easy and relaxed whilst waiting for the shot, and then, boom, once the camera is on, he delivers a whammy! Akshaye has his process of acting, and he sticks to it. Honestly, even as an audience member, I always thought, here is a stellar actor! Good that many more think the same now. As an industry, the last few years have raised good actors to glory podiums. And even leading men of cinema, like Ranveer, are now, first brilliant actors, then big stars.

Q. Previously, you have also shared screen space with Aamir Khan, Sushmita Sen, and the star cast of Tanaav. Who have you had the most fun collaborating with?

Gitikka Ganju Dhar: The most fun would be the director of Tanaav, E Niwas, who has such a great vibe. Aamir sir – well, my experience working with him was all about learning, watching him in action. He is Aamir Khan, a legend! I met Sushmita on set, and she was her warm, genuine, affectionate self.

Q. While you have worked in films and series in the past, Dhurandhar has been a great career leap. How have you been managing all the love and fame that has suddenly come your way?

Gitikka Ganju Dhar: You are right, Dhurandhar is a significant career leap. I am totally enjoying, relishing the Dhurandhar storm. It’s like a constant disco in my head. Ramba Ho, all the way.

Q. But the industry can be extremely unpredictable. How have you been preparing for after the celebrations die down?

Gitikka Ganju Dhar: Yes, the nature of the beast is unpredictable, but the quality of our work, our drive, our discipline and our vision need to be predictable. That is all we can do, as artists. A fresh zing has been injected into my live career too, as a host, and acting, well, picture abhi shuru hui hai mere dost!

Q. What was the most challenging scene/thing you did in Dhurandhar, and other projects you have been part of?

Gitikka Ganju Dhar: Honestly, I haven’t experienced challenging yet. Yes, during Tanaav I was constantly ill with a fever, so that was the only challenging bit. I have been an artist for many years; very few things faze me enough to seem challenging. Actually, keeping off the fried papads on sets is the most challenging thing. I walk by, and then turn back, and pick one, just one!

Q. As a public figure, you are expected to look a certain way. As such, what does your diet and fitness routine entail?

Gitikka Ganju Dhar: Really, am I? I don’t subscribe to such pressure. It is my job to be fit and look my best, so I need to put in the work for that, but I don’t feel the pressure of expectations. I am an actor, a speaker, my physicality is mine, and that is what casting is all about, right? If I fit the role, I will be cast. As women, we go through phases in life; one has to accept and flow with them, and navigate work the best we can. But no pressure cooker in my head; Instagram bodies and clothes are not my inspiration.

 

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Q. You dabble in many roles – which do you enjoy the most, and why?

Gitikka Ganju Dhar: Now, acting, for sure. This is so much fun. But I also love writing and am gearing up for a career as a global speaker.

Q. What’s in store for you in 2026?

Gitikka Ganju Dhar: Let me ask Divine and tell you. Jokes apart, all I can say is that I will give 2026 my hard work, focus and positivity. I hope 2026 handles me with care.

Q. What is the first thing you do upon waking up?

Gitikka Ganju Dhar: I look at my palms, Prabhāte Karadarśanam, Karaagre vasate Lakshmi, Karamadhye Saraswati, Karamule tu Govinda, Prabhate karadarshanam. The fingertips (Karaagre) are believed to be the abode of Goddess Lakshmi, the middle of the Palm (Karamadhye) is believed to be the abode of Goddess Saraswati and the base of the Palm (Karamule) is believed to be the abode of Lord Govinda. Looking at your hands is a reminder that your own hands (effort) are the tools for creating your fortune and fate. I then look at the Divine Light, a blessed image of my Guru, Maitreya Dadashreeji, I then say hello to my dog son, and then I light an incense stick and say, Alexa, play Gayatri Mantra, please.

Q. What do your cheat meals entail?

Gitikka Ganju Dhar: Namkeen, farsaan. Everything else, my eating heart can resist!