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Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a tough taskmaster. Was it difficult to work with him?
When it comes to acting and performance, Sanjay sir is a very hard taskmaster. Working with him was a great experience. He asks you to give your 100 per cent and even if you are not able to perform well, he will make you act in the manner he wants to. But at the end of the day, he will turn your whole effort into an extraordinary result. He has got incredible energy and a positive attitude towards work, which is, at any point of time, very helpful for the cast and the crew if they want to see their work stand out. I am really thankful to him for bringing out the actor inside me and would like to do more and more films with him in the future.
Tattad tattad dance moves have really picked up among your fans. The one where you are moving a hand behind your head is going viral. So was the step spontaneous or choreographed in that manner?
Oh! (laughs) Ganesh Acharya was randomly showing us some steps for the word Tattad tattad during rehearsals. After seeing this step, Sanjay sir and I loved it, though there are more moves in the song that are not in the promos. Ganesh said the steps were choreographed according to my physique and flexibility. I didn’t utter a word then, but it was really difficult to do the steps. We had to shoot for one minute and 15 seconds continuously and the shots were not reviewed on the screen or edited in between. But after a few takes, we finally came up with this step that has really picked up. Sanjay sir is a kind of person who pushes you to challenge yourself and stretch your own boundaries.
Tell us something about your character Ram in the film?
Ram, the male protagonist, is colourful, lively and flamboyant and a stud in his locality. He loves girls and is loved by them. This is a kind of character that you will find in real life. He is cheap at times, making fun of friends, but at the same time he is fighting for his rights. The character is depicted so well that you can relate to him. I really loved playing the character. When we completed shooting, I took a breath of relief and said: “Yaar ho gaya! (We are done)” I was able to do it. What makes me anxious is to live up to the audience’s expectations.
The character in Lootera was quite different from the real you that we know and the characters you have played in your previous films. Was it difficult for you to play that part?
I played a character of a reserved, sensitive, romantic and promising guy. This is a different side of me that I don’t show to people often. To play this character or to get inside the character was not that difficult for me as he was quite similar to me. When you join any acting class, the basic lesson that you will be taught is how to get innovative in front of the camera and the crowd. We always try to put in our best efforts and create a character. You have to be more genuine when you are working for a character who is not larger-that-life, but grounded and sensitive.
How do you judge yourself as an actor?
I am really proud of the films I have done till now. I watch my movies and spot the flaws. I learn from my own mistakes. It has happened many times that I have watched my movies and said: “Isse accha kar sakta tha” ( I could have performed better). I am open to criticism and always put my best foot forward for every movie I do. It is really difficult to imagine yourself as another person. Recently, I was going through all the frames of Ram-Leela and there were a few frames where I couldn’t resist from myself praising myself. But all the credit goes to Sanjay sir. He boosted my confidence, gave me space and support.
How was your experience working with Deepika?
It was really an amazing experience. She is a disciplined actor, who values the opportunities that comes her way. She doesn’t take success for granted. She is focused, sincere, sensitive and smart. I really admire her.
You have worked with actresses who are on the peak of their careers. What do you look for in your co-star?
Making a film is all about teamwork. What I really look for in my co-stars is that they should have that team spirit and positive attitude towards work. The purpose of the team is to make the difficult situations and scenes possible with their effort. I really like a co-star who has sense of responsibility. She should value the kind of effort I make while giving shots.
What do you prefer — a good script or Rs 100-crore budget film?
Of course script. According to me a good script makes 100 crore, not the other way round. For me, money was never so important. Maine paison ke liye kabhi film nahi kiya hai. (I have never done films for money) I really concentrate on my acting rather than looking after the revenue part. I want to be a part of a film that people remember even after 25 years. Acting is all about making milestones not money!
Rapid fire
Favourite colour: Red
Favourite food: Indian, Chinese
Favourite music: Trance
Last movie: Rush
Upcoming projects: Gunday and Kill Dil
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