And who is your love interest in the film?
That’s a big secret and I don’t want Madhur (Bhandarkar) sentencing me for letting it out.
So Jail will be another hard-hitting film?
Madhur does not make films for fun. He is very involved in his subjects and before he starts filming his material, he spends a lot of time researching on the movie. Jail has been no different. In fact, of what I have heard, Madhur disguised himself and actually spent time in one of our prisons to see things up close and personal (Laughs). Seriously, I believe Madhur has crossed all boundaries for the preparation of this film.
How is the experience of working with Madhur, a three times National Award winner?
The greatest thing about working with Madhur is that he goes where he wants you to be. It’s easy for a director to brief the actor and then say “Let’s shoot”. But Madhur goes through intensive preparation for a film and its characters himself and then guides his actors . Working with Madhur on this film, I work towards his vision. When a person has given his heart and soul to a film, like Madhur has, one can only try to live up to expectations. As his actor, I feel the need to match up to the dedication the filmmaker shows towards his film.
Do you think your chocolate boy looks will fit the bill of a convict?
Looks do not matter in this film. The conflict arises when you see a normal person behind bars in the company of characters you would usually see there. What would the point be if the film had a scar-faced tough guy behind the bars? The audience will not sympathise with the character.
You seem to align yourself with serious cinema.
I like entertaining films that I can watch at ease, without the stress of asking questions like “Why this?” or “this does not make sense”. I see no point in acting with material that does not make sense to the audience because I, as a viewer, would not like to watch it. This is why I make sure any film I sign on delivers a thought and has a soul. A soul is a connecting medium for the audience, an element that helps the audience identify with a film. There have been countless big- budget films that have flopped just because they did not have a soul.
Johnny Gaddaar was a thriller; your upcoming film Freeze is based on a supernatural theme and now Jail is based on dark reality. Do dark, mysterious subjects fascinate you?
I never thought of it that way. Now that you mention it, I guess it is only a coincidence that all these films have dark themes. What worked for me was they all have compelling stories. Believe me, I would love to do a love story. In fact, I have signed a romantic film with Ken Ghosh and Ramesh Taurani.
Is it true that you are composing music for Freeze?
Music is in my genes. My grandfather and my father are singing legends. It is unfortunate that I do not share their gift but I have had my share of exposure to music. I have been playing the piano since I was a kid and think I understand the basics of tunes. I have composed two songs for Freeze but do not think they will be used in the soundtrack. But I have sung a song that will be a part of the film.
What is your criteria for signing a new film?
The first aspect I look for when I am signing a film is the director. Even if the story is mediocre, working with a filmmaker who knows his game, assures an end- product that is satisfactory. And because I am a newcomer, I cannot carry a film on my own. I need the director to guide me and mould me into the character. From there it is just a matter of hard work and conviction.
