Who Is ‘Bade Sahab’ in ‘Dhurandhar 2’? Meet Danish Iqbal, Actor Behind Crucial Role in Ranveer Singh-Starrer

The long-standing mystery surrounding the identity of Bade Sahab in Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, has finally been unmasked following the film's theatrical release on March 19, 2026. Despite intense social media speculation suggesting a high-profile cameo by superstars like Salman Khan or Emraan Hashmi, the pivotal role is portrayed by acclaimed theatre and film actor Danish Iqbal. The character serves as the central antagonist and the overarching mastermind in the high-stakes espionage drama. ‘Dhurandhar 2’ Twitter Review: Ranveer Singh an Acting Maestro As Sher-E-Baloch in Aditya Dhar’s Sequel; Fans Call Movie ‘Lethal, Unapologetic Cinema’.

Who Is Playing ‘Bade Sahab’ in ‘Dhurandhar 2’?

In Dhurandhar: The Revenge, Danish Iqbal takes on the mantle of Bade Sahab, a character whose presence was teased throughout the first instalment via cryptic diary entries. Within the sequel's narrative, the character is revealed to be a fictionalised version of the notorious underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim.

Watch the Trailer of ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’:

Far from a mere cameo, Bade Sahab is the primary catalyst for the film's conflict. As the leader of a global criminal syndicate, he operates from the shadows, directing the actions of Major Iqbal (Arjun Rampal) and posing the ultimate challenge to the protagonist, Jaskirat Singh Rangi (Ranveer Singh). Critics have noted that casting a seasoned character actor like Iqbal, rather than a mainstream star, adds a layer of grounded, chilling realism to the antagonist.

Danish Iqbal As Wanted Gangster Dawood Ibrahim Aka ‘Bade Sahab’ in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’

Meet Danish Iqbal

Danish Iqbal is a veteran of the Indian acting circuit, bringing over three decades of experience to the screen. His casting in Dhurandhar 2 marks a significant mainstream breakthrough, though he is already well-regarded in artistic circles.

Education: Iqbal is an alumnus of the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi. He furthered his training with a Master’s degree in Classical Acting from the Central School of Speech and Drama in London.

Before this role, he gained widespread recognition for portraying Dilshad Mirza in the political drama series Maharani 2. His filmography also includes notable performances in Aranyak, Faraaz, Bhakshak, and most recently, the Nana Patekar-starrer Sankalp.

Instagram account of Danish Iqbal

A dedicated stage performer, Iqbal has acted in over 100 plays and continues to be a visiting faculty member at NSD, sharing his expertise with the next generation of actors.

More About ‘Dhurandhar 2’

Directed by Aditya Dhar and produced by Jio Studios, Dhurandhar: The Revenge concludes the spy duology that began with the record-breaking 2025 hit Dhurandhar. The sequel follows Jaskirat Singh Rangi, an undercover agent operating under the alias Hamza, as he navigates the dangerous underworld of Karachi to dismantle terror networks. Allu Arjun Reviews ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, Praises Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar’s Espionage Thriller, Calls Film a ‘Blast’ (View Post).

The film boasts a massive ensemble cast, including Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, and Sara Arjun. Known for its technical scale, the movie features an expansive runtime of nearly four hours and was shot across diverse international locations. With its release coinciding with the Eid and Gudi Padwa weekend, the film is projected to be one of the highest-grossing Indian releases of 2026.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 19, 2026 11:37 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).