Divyendu Sharma was first noticed for the comedy Pyaar Ka Punchnama (2011), winning the Screen Award for Best Male Debut, after which he played supporting roles in the films Chashme Baddoor (2013) and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017). He gained further attention for his roles in streaming ventures such as the drama series Mirzapur (2018–2020) and the miniseries The Railway Men (2023). Divyendu’s character Munna in Mirzapur is a rage. He is all set to make his Telugu debut in Peddi as the archvillain opposite Ram Charan.What was it like to do a film in Telugu and that too something as high-profile as Peddi?Actually, this project gave me a chance to be a newcomer all over again. I was like a new boy there. I was trying to understand, you know, the language, the culture, how they communicate with each other, their cinematic language.How different is the work ethics in Telugu as compared with Hindi cinema?When we talk about work ethics, they just don’t compromise on anything. Even if they have less time, they don’t rush. The director used to come to my vanity van and would be happy to explain the shot. Also, I had a lovely time working with Randy sir, the cinematographer R Rathnaveluvery, because he gave me so much scope for improvising, with my body movements and gestures. And he just captured each and everything so beautifully. When we got a good take and we used to celebrate. I’m really, really glad that my Telugu debut is happening with Peddi.How was the director to work with?Let me tell you something about the director, Buchi Babu. Because of him, I said yes to this film. After years, I met a director, who is a true artiste without any baggage. He liked my work. He appreciated my work. And even before he narrated the character arc or the story, I decided to work with him. Because very few people have such a pure heart and such pure energy.Was the Telugu language a problem?Yes, the language gave me sleepless nights. As you know me, I’m someone who believes in doing my homework before reaching the set. This time around, it wasn’t easy. Because Telugu is a tricky language. Even the accent had to be of a particular type as my character hails from Vijayanagaram. So yeah, that wasn’t easy. It was difficult to find pauses in Telugu language, because they don’t use much pauses. But again, credit goes to Buchi Babu. He gave me all the time I needed. And he made things as simple as possible.And Ram Charan?He’s been really kind and nice and full of warmth. I was a little apprehensive. But working with him turned out to be a piece of cake. He has seen my earlier works and he was al praise. He is a genuinely good co-actor, someone who is very present, whatever he is doing. The guy definitely knows what he’s doing.