Interview: Pop-Star Dhvani Bhanushali: From Music Sensation to Silver Screen Debut!

In a country where the pop-star culture hasn’t traditionally matched the fervor of the West, Dhvani Bhanushali stands tall as a trailblazer. Known for her independent hits like #Vaaste, which soared past one billion views on #YouTube, Dhvani has cemented her place as India’s youngest pop icon. Starting her musical journey with film tracks like Ishtehar from Welcome to New York and the chart-buster Dilbar from Satyameva Jayate, her artistic repertoire continues to expand. Now, Dhvani ventures into uncharted territory with her debut in the world of acting, starring in the film Kahan Shuru Kahan Khatam. In an exclusive interview with our Senior Editor, Keerti Kadam, Dhvani opened up about her journey, the excitement around her debut, and the preparations that went into embodying the role of ‘Meera’.

Keerti Kadam: Dhvani, how excited are you about your debut? What special preparations did you undergo for this film?

Dhvani Bhanushali: I’m absolutely thrilled! It’s my first film, and honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better debut. But nothing happened overnight. It took a lot of hard work. I’ve trained in theatre for two years and even performed in Girish Karnad’s play Nagmandalam alongside NSD actors. Besides, I also did a family show, a lot of fieldwork, and several workshops with Prachit. Laxman Utekar sir, Sourav, and I spent a great deal of time with the script and character development. My co-star Aashim (Gulati) and I did a lot of readings together to get into the essence of our characters.The story of Meera resonated deeply with me. Although I didn’t personally experience what she goes through, I’ve seen it happen around me. Growing up in Ghatkopar, I often wondered why many girls got married at such a young age. When I read the script, I felt this story needed to be told—parents should simply ask their daughters what they want from life. Kahan Shuru Kahan Khatam conveys this important message.

Keerti Kadam: Were you always inclined towards acting, or did it happen unexpectedly?

Dhvani Bhanushali: Acting crossed my mind when I was 17, but the role felt too challenging at the time. Meanwhile, I started posting music covers on YouTube, and things took off from there. Collaborating with Vinay-Radhika gave me the break I needed. But once people started recognizing me, I thought, why not take it further? Acting requires a lot of hard work, and now, after learning the craft, I feel ready.

Keerti Kadam: Many feel you should have ventured into acting sooner. What do you think?

Dhvani Bhanushali: Everything happens at the right time. Jumping into things prematurely can lead to unnecessary backlash, and it’s something I didn’t want. You have to be sure before taking such a step. I’m not a star kid, and though my father has been in the industry for over 27 years, I had to pave my own way. His struggles inspire me, and the support he gives is invaluable. It’s important to carry that forward with my own hard work.

Keerti Kadam: What drew you to Kahan Shuru Kahan Khatam for your debut?

Dhvani Bhanushali: The message of the film! It resonated with me deeply. When I first read the script, it wasn’t with the intention of acting in it—I was just going through it as part of Bhanushali Studios Limited. But as I delved deeper, I felt it was an important story to tell, especially for the youth and parents.

Keerti Kadam: As an already established singer, do you see this as an advantage in your acting career?

Dhvani Bhanushali: (laughs) Honestly, I don’t know. I just follow my heart! Overthinking can be overwhelming, so I take things as they come, as long as it aligns with my values. I want to do both—singing and acting.

Keerti Kadam: How was your experience working with your co-star Aashim Gulati, who has done notable work on OTT platforms?

Dhvani Bhanushali: It was fantastic! Initially, I was nervous, but after doing readings and workshops together, I felt more comfortable. The support I received from the entire cast, especially Rajesh Sharma, who plays my father, helped a lot. It was a very nurturing environment.

Keerti Kadam: When the offer came, did you accept it immediately?

Dhvani Bhanushali: (smiles) Yes, I did! No second thoughts there.

Keerti Kadam: You’ve produced music before, which is quite different from acting. Did you ever doubt if you could pull off a film?

Dhvani Bhanushali: I was already preparing for it! I’ve been doing workshops for the past year and a half, working on scenes with my coach. It wasn’t a sudden jump—it was a gradual process.

Keerti Kadam: What role has your family, especially your father, played in this journey?

Dhvani Bhanushali: My family has been my rock, and my dad, in particular, is my guiding light. He’s very proud, of course, but he’s also my biggest critic. If something isn’t good, he’ll be the first to let me know. His support is priceless.

Keerti Kadam: What are your thoughts on physical and mental fitness?

Dhvani Bhanushali: Mental fitness is as important as physical fitness. They complement each other. I work out every day, but I’m also a foodie, so I can’t sacrifice my dal chawal! I strike a balance. Of course, if a role demands it, I’ll adapt, but in general, I don’t believe in extreme diets.

Keerti Kadam: Now that you’re venturing into acting, will you still make music videos?

Dhvani Bhanushali: Oh, absolutely! I’ll continue with music. It’s my first love. I plan to divide my time between both. After all, who says I can’t be both a pop star and an actor?

As Dhvani takes her first steps into the world of cinema, her passion for storytelling is evident. With a heart full of ambition and a desire to create meaningful art, she’s ready to win hearts both on screen and off.

By Keerti Kadam