Shradha Das Reveals Secrets of Her Ambitious Role in Manoj Bajpayee’s ‘Gajab Raat’
Actress Shradha Das reveals details about her ambitious character Neha Prabhu and her experience working with Manoj Bajpayee in the thriller Gajab Raat.
Actress Shradha Das is all set to make her mark in the upcoming suspense thriller Gajab Raat, where she shares the screen with the powerhouse performer Manoj Bajpayee. In a recent conversation, the actress opened up about the complexities of her character and the surprising side of Bajpayee that she discovered during the shoot.
Meeting Neha Prabhu: A Study in Poise and Ambition
In Gajab Raat, Shradha Das steps into the shoes of Neha Prabhu, a professional associated with the Women’s Commission. Her role is pivotal to the plot, as she is tasked with the safety and medical care of a severely injured girl. However, the job isn't just about healthcare; Neha must also keep a close watch on Nirvit, played by Manoj Bajpayee, as the case spirals into unexpected directions.
Shradha highlighted that Neha is a far cry from her own personality. She described the character as elegant and poised, noting that she had to specifically work on her gait and manner of speaking to embody Neha's sophistication.
Beyond the poise, it is Neha's inner drive that fuels the story. Shradha revealed that the character is deeply ambitious, and the moral compromises she makes to achieve her goals trigger significant twists and turns that impact every other character in the film.
Overcoming Nerves: Working with Manoj Bajpayee
Sharing most of her scenes with a veteran like Manoj Bajpayee was an intimidating prospect for Shradha. She admitted to feeling nervous initially, which led her to engage in thorough preparations. To ensure she entered the set with absolute clarity, she held detailed discussions with director Ritesh Shah and producer Neeraj Pandey.
However, those nerves quickly vanished once she began interacting with Bajpayee. Contrary to his serious on-screen persona, Shradha found him to be "playful and adorable."
"Manoj sir has a very serious image, but when I met him, I discovered that he is actually quite playful and adorable in real life," Shradha shared.
She recalled a charming moment during their first scene together when Bajpayee shared his wellness secrets. He spoke to her about his 5 am routine, which includes a specific breathing exercise using one nostril at a time to maintain healthy skin—a detail Shradha found particularly "cute."
A Lesson in Artistry and Confidence
While acknowledging the immense gap in experience, Shradha praised Bajpayee for his humility. She noted that despite his mastery of the craft, he never made her feel inferior or intimidated. Instead, he fostered an environment of confidence, allowing her to perform without the fear of being judged or corrected.
What is ‘Gajab Raat’ About?
Directed by Ritesh Shah and produced by Neeraj Pandey’s Friday Filmworks, Gajab Raat is a high-stakes thriller that unfolds over a single night. The plot kicks off when a police officer witnesses a horrifying sight: a critically injured girl being thrown from a moving car in Delhi.
What begins as a rescue mission quickly evolves into a complex international conspiracy, forcing the protagonist to make harrowing decisions.
Star-Studded Ensemble
Alongside Manoj Bajpayee and Shradha Das, the film features a strong supporting cast, including:
- Divya Dutta
- Saqib Saleem
- Akshay Oberoi
- Kiku Sharda
- Nushrratt Bharuccha
Following the recent release of its trailer, Gajab Raat is scheduled to begin streaming on Netflix from October 23, 2026.