In a candid conversation with ABHI SINGHAL, actor Jitin Gulati opens up about his role in Maa and the emotions that drive his craft
Jitin Gulati's journey into acting isn't one of overnight stardom, but of steady resolve and fearless reinvention. After nearly a decade in the corporate banking world, he transitioned from spreadsheets to scripts, driven by a passion for storytelling that refused to stay buried under a desk. Jitin Gulati carved a path that is refreshingly his own — balancing strong screen presence with emotional nuance.
Whether as the poetic Saadiq in Bambai Meri Jaan or layered performances in Inside Edge, Broken But Beautiful or Kaala, he brings a rare honesty to his characters. Known for his dedication and discipline, Jitin continues to be a versatile performer, equally comfortable in intimate indie roles and large-format productions.
The actor has just starred in Maa alongside Kajol — her first horror outing — and now gets candid in an unfiltered and exclusive interview with The Pioneer.
Your role in Maa is unlike anything you've done before. How did you prepare for the role?
I think with every role, the preparation is not for the profession but for the human being behind that profession. So while we don't investigate his personal life in the film, but I think with me and the director it was very clear that we don't want to play him like a regular cop. So while you keep the basics you know, there is a certain body language and the training that they have. It was all done keeping in mind that you could also see the person behind the uniform. The rehearsal and the readings helped me a lot with the directors and writers.
How was your experience working with Kajol?
Initially, I was nervous. This was my first time meeting her. I met her during the reading once and then on the set. So of course, you're nervous, you have butterflies in your stomach. You are performing with someone you look up to. But that's the magic of a true superstar. They not only know their work but also make it very comfortable for others.
You have been a part of hits like Bambai Meri Jaan, and the roles are very different. How do you see these roles?
If a character has attracted me and I want to do it, and I want to tell that story, I choose it. I think I feel that everything is the writing of the story. All my directions on how to prepare a role are in the writing itself. If the character is doing something, you know it also tells me how you're doing it. You get to know why people do what they do, I think that's the joy of being an actor. We get to investigate human behaviour
Do you think that Maa will be a turning point in your career?
I honestly don't know, but I am happy that it is a step forward for me.
I don't know if it's a turning point, but I'm slowly turning. I think that this is what I want to do.
Are there any other actors who are your dream collaborations?
I have already worked with so many good ones, but I would love to work with Tabu and Vidya Balan. I think a film with them would be like a dream come true.
Jitin's Candid Confessions
A genre that you have not explored till now, but you would want to explore next?
Romance for sure.
A particular scene in any of your works that you will never forget?
Laughs.. I think I won't forget my death sequence from Bambai Meri Jaan. We shot that scene twice, and I genuinely felt very bad for the character at that point in time. That's a scene I will never forget.
OTT or theatrical release, which excites you the most?
Any medium, whatever, takes me to a mega audience. A medium is just a medium, only. I want to be a good actor whom the audience appreciates.
One thing about Jitin Gulati that the fans don't know?
I'm sure they don't know a lot of stuff. I've worked in the bank for like 10 years and I am a banker. I am still a financial consultant. I feel that nobody might know this.