Rishabh Sawhney’s Ahmad Shah Abdali Role Finds Supporters Despite Debate Around Comparisons With Sanjay Dutt and Ranveer Singh

As conversations around Rishabh Sawhney intensify ahead of Nagabandham, the actor has steadily gained support online despite the ongoing debate surrounding his comparison to some of Bollywood’s most iconic antagonists. With the film set to release on July 3 and Sawhney stepping into the role of Ahmad Shah Abdali, several netizens across Instagram and Reddit have come forward backing the actor, saying he possesses the screen presence, physicality, and confidence needed for a commanding negative role. Many users have also argued that taking inspiration from stars like Sanjay Dutt and Ranveer Singh is natural for any rising actor attempting a larger-than-life antagonist on screen.

The comparisons, however, had divided audiences. A section of social media users believes it is far too early to place Sawhney in the same league as performers who delivered some of Hindi cinema’s most memorable villainous portrayals.

At the same time, a growing number of fans and industry watchers have stepped in to defend the Fighter actor. Supporters argue that drawing inspiration from established stars is hardly unusual in cinema and that Sawhney possesses the screen presence, physicality, and confidence required for a powerful antagonist. Several users on Reddit have pointed out that audiences often resist fresh talent being compared to established icons, only to later embrace them once the performance speaks for itself.

While the comparisons may seem strategic at this stage, one thing is clear that Rishabh Sawhney has managed to build genuine curiosity around his portrayal in Nagabandham. His screen presence and confidence have already caught the attention of audiences online, and many are now waiting to see how he brings Ahmad Shah Abdali to life when the film releases on July 3.