Jeet at Princeton Club. Picture by Aranya Sen

Josh sounds like an action film like Wanted. How different is it?

Oh, Josh has no similarities with Wanted, except for (co-star) Shrabanti, (director) Ravi Kinnagi, me and a few technicians who are common to both films. My character is completely different here. While in Wanted action spoke louder than the words, I’m a motormouth in Josh. In fact I’m tired of dubbing for Josh... too many dialogues! In Josh, I’m the guy next door, a sweet, fun-loving character who falls for a pretty girl (Shrabanti).

Are you trying to revive your action hero image with Wanted and Josh?

A lot of people are asking me this question. See, I started my career with Saathi, an action love story where people appreciated my action scenes. The ceetis and taalis came in when I fought the goons. But then Saathi was also a romantic film. So I think I was accepted in both the genres — romantic and action. My only concern is that I should be able to portray my characters differently, though there isn’t much variation in the characters in mainstream commercial films where a hero is always a hero.

What image suits you best — action hero or lover boy?

I don’t want to limit myself. I want to explore. As an actor I still don’t know my potential. I enjoy being part of a good film where I have a good role, irrespective of whether it’s an action film or not. But maybe boys want to see me in action films, while girls like me as a lover boy! I have met men who told me, ‘Dada, we saw your Priyotama. We liked the film but there was no action!’ So, there has to be a balance between action and romance for me.

With Josh, the team of Shree Venkatesh Films, Ravi Kinnagi, you and Shrabanti is back seven years after Champion...

I think this is the best team! We were a little nostalgic while shooting; we spoke about our Champion days a lot. I have a gut feeling that Josh will work... if you put everything together — Venkatesh releases films in an organised manner, Raviji is a very good technician, Jeet-Shrabanti... people have liked us in Wanted, and Josh is the only Tolly release today.

Jeet at Princeton Club. Picture by Aranya Sen

Your leading ladies presently are Koel Mullick and Shrabanti. Who else would you like to team up with?

I think Priyanka (of Chirodini... Tumi Je Aamar) is good. I am open to doing a film with her or any new girl. I would definitely like to work with Subhashree. I can work with Ritu (Rituparna Sengupta) if the subject is not run-of-the-mill.

Who do you feel you have the best chemistry with?

That’s a controversial question (laughs)! With Koel, I share a long relationship, so we understand each other. We’ve matured with time and now there are no more ego fights between us. With Shrabanti, too, I share a long relationship. Both are nice, sweet girls. Shrabanti is very talented and a brilliant observer. I’m comfortable with both of them.

What are your upcoming films?

I am shooting for Raj Chakraborty’s Dui Prithibi with Koel and Dev. Here I play a stinking rich guy who is far removed from reality. Up next is another Ravi Kinnagi film opposite Shrabanti.

What do you like Jeet as — action hero or lover boy? Tell t2@abpmail.com