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Aftab Shivdasani: Kasoor
Jolts You! |
Esha’s just a co-star. She and I have
managed to laugh off our reported
link-up.
I had never imagined that I could be so cruel and gruesome. That
I could kill without a conscience.
Despite the debacle
of his first film, Mast, Aftab is one of the busiest actors in film
city with half-a-dozen plum projects under his belt. And now after
Kasoor he’s being flooded with many more offers. Playing a
killer to perfection in only his second film, Aftab has proved that
he’s an actor who dares to dream... and defy conventions.
In
a year that began disastrously, Kasoor was the first film to give
the industry reason to smile again. It may not have been a superhit
but it did far better business than was expected of an off-beat,
small-budget film. How does it feel to be a part of a paying project?
(With a big smile) Great! I’ve been out of the country for
a while but since my return I have been told that the makers and
distributors are happy with the way the film is faring. Kasoor may
be just an average grosser but it feels overwhelming to be part
of a film that has come as a ray of hope to an industry in the doldrums.
People have liked the film. It has put the smile back on many faces.
I feel accepted.
Given its off-beat subject the film must have been a gamble. Did
you honestly think that it would work?
When you’re making an off-beat film you know you’re cutting
down on your audience. And Kasoor was catering primarily to the
classes. That made it a risky proposition. But we were also sure
that in today’s film-going audience there are people who are
progressive in their thinking. Even the more orthodox sections,
we felt, were looking for something new. Whether it was a commercial,
formula film or an off-beat one, people wanted something different.
And Kasoor was different. Everyone did their bit well and that worked
to the film’s advantage. You can see that people want to see
the film. They’re intrigued. And shocked at the end when they
discover with Lisa who opens a cupboard and find the murder weapon
nestling in it, that the hero is really the killer. It gives them
a real jolt!
Were you also jolted when you heard the subject for the first time?
Yeah, it gave me a kick. I loved the story! But I had just one film
behind me. I didn’t know if I could pull off such a difficult
role. I asked Vikram (Bhatt) if he was sure he wanted me. His answer
was very reassuring. He told me that he would not have approached
me if he wasn’t sure. Vikram’s confidence in me convinced
me to give Kasoor the nod.
And what was the general reaction when the news leaked out that
you were playing a killer in a film?
(Laughs) Everyone told me that I had gone crazy! The film was too
big a risk. I didn’t have a godfather or a decision maker to
guide me. I played by my instincts and fortunately my family supported
my decision. They knew I had all along wanted to play the villain.
It is okay to do the heroic stuff in a regular, commercial film,
but as a performer I knew my biggest thrill would come when I experimented
with different roles, roles that probed the darker areas of the
psyche and tested my potential. I realised that audience’s
tastes were changing and I felt that this was the best time to do
something daringly different because there was a good chance of
it being accepted. But to be frank, I had never dreamed that I’d
get such a perfect role in only my second film. I had never imagined
in my wildest dreams that I could be so cruel and gruesome. That
I could kill without a conscience.
How did you build up the murderous rage?
Before every shot I’d sit quietly apart and try to think and
feel like Shekhar. I remember on the first day of shooting I walked
into the studio and greeted the guys jauntily in my usual fashion,
“Hi, what’s happening? Breakfast lao!” Before I could
say anything more, Vikram ordered me to go back to my car and walk
back to the sets the way Shekhar would. I have Vicky to thank for
helping me become the character. It was Vikram’s subject and
the way he handled it was brilliant. He’s one of the most intelligent
guys I’ve come across and an amazing filmmaker. He helped me
flesh out the character. It was thanks to him that I began to walk,
talk, eat, sleep, think and plot like Shekhar. In fact, I guess,
it was easier for Vikram to think like Shekhar because he was closer
to him in age. I’m just 22 while this guy was in his 30s. There
was a decade and some inherent differences in our psyche setting
us apart. But while working on Kasoor I ceased to be Aftab. I became
Shekhar. The transformation was so complete that at times I would
stop and and wonder what had happened to the carefree 22-year-old
boy that I had been.
Was it easy to snap out of your character at the end of the day?
It usually was, I guess, because I was nothing like Shekhar really.
We were poles apart. I’d like to believe that there’s
no evil in me. And no arrogance.
Did Shekhar endear himself to you in any way?
I liked him for his composure. He was intense, introverted but could
carry himself well in any situation. He was always in control. He
was also subtly flamboyant, a mature playboy who could get his way
with any woman he wanted. In contrast I’m really shy with the
opposite sex. However, I wouldn’t want to be Shekhar. In fact,
away from the sets I found it difficult to identify with him. Even
on the sets it was a tough job becoming Shekhar. I had to change
the colour of my eyes, my whole appearance and persona before every
shot and for the climax I had to spend three days in nine feet of
water. Everyone without exception had to suffer the ordeal. We even
had to have our dinner in the water and the rotis would get all
soggy. But eventually, it was worth the effort to watch the amazed
shock on everyone’s faces when the truth is revealed.
How did the man on the streets feel about Shekhar?
I went to see the film at a Mumbai theatre, first day, first show.
Tanuja Chandra, Mukhesh Bhatt sahab and I went in, Vikram stayed
out because he was too scared to watch his film with the audience.
After the show we all stood outside on the road trying to gauge
audience reaction. It was 2.30 p.m. and a lot of people who had
watched the film with us, strolled up to say that they thought the
film was fantastic. These one-to-one reactions were most encouraging.
It must have been the spell of the erotica. You must be the most
envied guy in town because you got to make love to the oh-so-desirable
Lisa Ray?
(Laughing) Believe me it wasn’t such a ball. Lisa was a perfect
stranger and we were both pretty awkward though thorough professionals.
With Vicky behind the camera I knew that things would never turn
ugly or vulgar. I knew no one would walk out of the theatres during
these so called hot moments, but frankly, I didn’t think the
promos would cause such a hue and cry.
Well they have Kasoor and all those rumours about you and Esha Deol,
have made you the most talked about Casanova of film city?
(Raising an eyebrow) Really? Well, let me tell you that this nonsense
of me having a girl in every port is just that...nonsense. I have
just one girl and I’m committed to her. I’m lucky to have
her and I’ll never betray her trust in me because contrary
to my Casanova image I’m really a shy, serious kind of chap.
I may be eligible but I’m not single so I can’t flaunt
myself. I have to be true to the one love of my life.
Is the love of your life Esha Deol?
No, she’s just a co-star. Esha and I have managed to laugh
off our reported link-up.
Back to Kasoor. It’s all very well to want to explore new avenues
but have you ever considered the fact that playing a killer in your
second film could typecast you as the bad guy. After a trilogy of
psychotic horrors—Baazigar, Darr and Anjaam—Shah Rukh
Khan was stamped as a villain and it needed a Dilwale Dulhaniya
Le Jayenge, one of the biggest grossers ever, to help him break
out of the mould.
I don’t believe in going by anyone’s track record. What
Shah Rukh Khan or Amitabh Bachchan did or didn’t do, doesn’t
really matter where I’m concerned. Anyway in Darr or Anjaam
Shah Rukh was never really the hero so his negativity and hostility
didn’t come as a surprise. But I was the “hero” of
Kasoor, the crime was committed by me though this was revealed only
towards the end of the film. Initially, everyone was convinced that
Shekhar was being framed, he was really innocent. And that, believe
me, can make a difference to the audience’s perception.
Are you really not being flooded with similar roles?
(Smiling) Not yet. I guess, I’ve been lucky that I’ve
been out of the country. But honestly, I really don’t think
I need to worry about getting typecast as a villain. I’m just
22, at the beginning of my career. It’s too early for people
to slot me. And anyway, in the next couple of films you’ll
see me as a romantic hero. Rajiv Rai’s Pyar Ishq Mohabbat and
Boney Kapoor’s Koi Mere Dil Se Poochey are regular commercial
films. Films in which I’m playing my age. A happy-go-lucky
college guy. They should be able to bury the memory of the ruthless
murderer of Kasoor.
Ah, so now the killer is turning into a lover boy?
(Chuckling) No, don’t try to put me into another slot.
I want to be known as a versatile actor, not a star with a definite
image. In fact, though my next couple of films are love stories
they’re very different from each other and from the usual,
cliched prem kahanis. Boney’s film is about a girl with a traumatic
past.
In Pyar, Ishq, Mohabbat I’m a rich, snobbish NRI kid. And the
Tips film though a love story is as shocking as Kasoor . It will
give you a jolt of a different kind. Vimal Kumar’s film is
an interesting masala mix. I want to be different in every film,
change with every shot.
You’re doing a film called Jackpot too?
Yeah, E Niwas’s next. It’s a comedy. Whenever I think
of it I start laughing. It’s so funny that we had difficulty
shooting for it. (Smiling) This is one film where I have no girl
tensions but strange things happen to me. It’s awesome!
Any other interesting projects?
Yeah, I’ve just given the nod to an action film. I’ve
always been entranced by the Hollywood Westerns and by Sholay. I
never wanted to be a romantic hero. Action was my scene, always.
This film that I’ve okayed will have a lot of dare-devil action
sequences. I’m planning to go in for some kind of training.
It will be a major turning point in my career, like Kasoor. There’s
also a period film that goes back to the Partition. A positive,
performance-oriented role. An unbelievably true-to-life character.
I don’t know much about 1947. All that I know was that my dad
was born that year (Laughs). I’ve just shot for the film for
two days and I’m already fascinated.
Your next film will be Rajiv Rai’s Pyar Ishq Mohabbat, right?
Right.
The role you’re playing was earlier offered to Bobby Deol
who we were told turned it down because it didn’t offer him
much scope. What made you accept the role then?
I don’t know what Bobby’s problem was but Rajiv was
very honest about the length of the role with me. I knew I wouldn’t
have too much footage because there were two other actors but I
trusted Rajiv who insisted that I was significant to the story.
Pyar, Ishq, Mohabbat is a big film and I wanted to be a part of
it. I have no regrets. It’s turned out very well!
The unexpected success of Kasoor must have been a much needed shot
in the arm after the surprise failure of the much-hyped Mast.
I was disappointed by the failure of Mast but I had been warned
by my mentor even before the film’s release not to be devastated
if the film didn’t run. Mr Ram Gopal Varma prepared me to be
mentally strong so I could take any outcome. He told me that I should
be able to face success and rejection too. He insisted that I should
never be pessimistic about my flops. That was one of the most important
lessons I learnt. There’s a lot I have to thank Mr Ram Gopal
Varma for.
Looking back where do you think this experimental musical went wrong?
The script was weak. And the audience couldn’t accept a weak
script from the talented director of films like Rangeela and Satya.
Mast was too much of a fantasy!
What was your reaction when Ram Gopal Varma who was high on the
success of Satya , offered you the starring role in Mast opposite
the red hot Urmila Matondkar?
(Beaming) I was ecstatic. It was unbelievable! I’d just completed
my graduation and had expected to have to struggle for years for
the right break. Instead there was Ram Gopal Varma, the most “happening”
director of the time, offering to launch me opposite one of the
hottest stars.
Were you dazzled by Urmila, in awe of her?
I’ve never been in awe of anybody, ever. To me Urmila was my
co-star, a character in the film. She’s a very nice person
and working with her was like a dream. I soon began enjoying my
new-found stardom. I got used to being treated as a promising actor.
Then it must have hit really hard when your debut film disappeared
without a trace and from the industry’s big hope you became
a nobody again?
Well, as I said my mentor had prepared me for the worst, but honestly,
I hadn’t expected Mast to flop. It’s unexpected failure
taught me a lot about the industry...about life. Suddenly the confidence
makers had in me before Mast hit the theatres evaporated. Suddenly
I could see that they were sceptical, apprehensive. I could see
them thinking, “Ladka chalega ya nahin?” I didn’t
really blame them when they opted for more established names or
star sons. It’s not easy reviving the career of a newcomer
whose first film is a debacle.
Their sudden lack of confidence must have made life difficult for
you?
(Thoughtfully) Well, the going wasn’t easy but fortunately
for me there were some makers who didn’t write me off. Rajiv
Rai, Boney Kapoor, Mukesh Bhatt, Vimal Kumar, Ram Gopal Varma and
the Tauranis of Tips, still had enough confidence in me to sign
me for their next films. And since they were all big film-makers
the fact that they wanted me reassured the others. It boosted their
sagging confidence. After Mast I signed six films with these makers
and they brought another six films. And things began to look up
again.
What did you do to make these makers believe in you?
(Laughing) I didn’t do anything. I guess, I was just lucky.
I met Boney Kapoor at the audio release function of Mast. He discussed
a project with me but I seriously didn’t believe he’d
sign me till he did. I guess, Boney with his in-depth knowledge
of the industry could appreciate me in Mast even when the film flopped.
Koi Mera Dil Se Poochey was a big film. It starred Jaya Bachchan,
Sanjay Kapoor and Esha Deol and the fact that I was working with
them made makers sit up and give me a second look. The film gave
me a fresh lease of life. (With a mysterious smile) There’s
another reason I didn’t vanish into the blue.
What?
I came into the industry at a time when there were not too many
newcomers but there was a need for them. The audience was looking
for new faces. The romantic heroes of the ’90s were beginning
to outgrow the college boy kind of roles. And that left a slot vacant
for youngsters like us. I guess, that was one advantage I had in
my favour. That was the reason why even though Mast didn’t
do well I’m one of the busiest actors today. (With a twinkle)
Also I think I’m a wee bit talented.
Is it wise signing on so many films? Aren’t you worried you’ll
be over-exposed?
No, I’m not. I would have been if half the films I’m doing
were rubbish and I’d only taken them on because I was feeling
insecure. But no, they’re all good films with good makers.
Did you expect to win the Screen Award last year for Most Promising
Debut?
No, it came as a wonderful surprise. I was feeling very low at the
time. Mast had been released on October 15 and by November it was
out of the theatres. The Screen Awards were on January 23 and though
I knew I was one of the contenders for this much-coveted award,
I wasn’t expecting to win. I was almost in tears when I was
on stage cradling my golden lady. I forgot everything I wanted to
say. It was one of the best moments of my life. I’ve recorded
the event and every time I see myself on stage, it makes me feel
all choked up. It was my first award and a real morale booster.
After that I won two more awards, the Zee Award and a special award
given by the Punjab Kala Sangh. But winning the Screen Award was
particularly encouraging because it was an indication that people
liked me.
Most newcomers wax eloquent about their role models when they win
their first awards. You didn’t.
That’s because I’ve no ideal actors, no idols. I admire
Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh because of the way they have come
up on their own. The fact that these two actors who’re not
from the industry went on to become the biggest sensations in the
last decade, the last millennium, has given a lot of hope to youngsters
like me who have no star fathers. I like Madhuri Dixit too because
she’s also a self-made star. A very beautiful and versatile
actress with a brilliant smile who manages to be so humble and down-to-earth
despite her success. Kajol is another of my favourites. She makes
acting seem so natural. And she’s always been herself even
when she was a superstar.
Have you always wanted to be an actor?
All my life. I did scores of ads and seven films as a child artiste.
I’ve always been interested in films not for the name, fame,
glamour or money, but because films appealed to my creativite instincts.
This was the only way I could think to reach out to people all over
the country... all over the world.
Are you still called the Farex baby?
Not often. Now people call me the Kasoor killer (Laughs). But I
wouldn’t mind if I was. I love watching all the ads I’ve
done. I have all of them on tape except Farex.
Did you ever resent the fact that your ads and films took you away
from friends and your play?
Never perhaps because everyone I worked with were so nice. I’ll
always be grateful to my parents for starting me on a career so
early in life. It made me grow up fast, made me independent.
What are your other interests?
I love music. Something abstract with less of lyrics. Music
that makes me think. I’m a deep thinker !I also love sports.
I’ve been a sportsman all my life. I’ve played badminton
and cricket. At one time I thought I’d become a professional
cricketer but then I decided I’d let Sachin (Tendulkar) play
on for a few more years (Smiles). Hey, I was just joking! I outgrew
cricket but I’ve yet to outgrow film. Films are my enduring
passion.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Hopefully still around. More eased out. More successful.
Roshmila Bhattacharya
roshmila@hotmail.com
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