Actor Rasika Dugal has recalled her experience of working with the late Irrfan Khan in Anup Singh’s 2013 film ‘Qissa: The Tale of a Lonely Ghost’, describing the collaboration as one of the most important learning experiences of her career.

Speaking about Khan, Dugal said his approach on the set was marked by respect and attentiveness. She recalled that despite having far less experience at the time, she never felt that the veteran actor was asserting his seniority over her.

“There was never a moment of schooling me or trying to tell me that he’s the senior and he knows more and this is the way to do things, not at all,” Dugal said.

According to Dugal, Khan taught her that being a good co-actor was less about demonstrating expertise and more about being fully present with the person sharing the scene.

“He really taught me how to be a good co-actor,” she said, adding that his respect for her contribution gave her confidence and encouraged her to bring greater nuance to her performance.

Dugal also recalled that Khan had already built a substantial body of work when they filmed ‘Qissa’, while she was relatively early in her acting career. Yet, she said, his conduct made her feel that her presence and contribution to the film mattered.

The actor has previously described ‘Qissa’ as a project that shaped her as a performer. In a 2024 interview, she said working with Khan, Tisca Chopra and Tillotama Shome gave her an early understanding of how to work with experienced performers without being overwhelmed by differences in professional standing.

Directed by Anup Singh, ‘Qissa’ explores displacement, trauma and gender identity against the backdrop of the Partition. Irrfan Khan played Umber Singh, while Dugal portrayed Kanwar, in a film that received attention for its unconventional narrative and performances.

For Dugal, however, the film's lasting significance goes beyond the role itself. Her recollections underline how Khan's influence came not through formal instruction, but through the way he approached another actor in a scene—with attention, equality and collaboration