Himesh Reshammiya

While being driven around in his brand new black BMW to a suburban mall for a promotional event of Karzzzz, Himesh Reshammiya was palpably nervous. But shy guy Himesh relaxed as he laughingly showed the nachni rotis placed on the car’s armrest. After all the rotis are his source of sustenance as he readies for the release of Karzzzz

Your first film Aap Kaa Surroor was a hit but will your second film Karzzzz be the real test?

Yes. In Aap Kaa Surroor I was playing Himesh with a cap. People thought that it was my real test but I feel my biggest test will be Karzzzz. The music, as expected, has become a hit. But will they accept me as Monty of Karzzzz?

Isn’t it a huge challenge to do the remake of a famous film like Subhash Ghai’s Karz?

Of course it is! The difference is that Rishi Kapoor was the best-looking guy around while I am the worst. I am a non-dancer and a non-actor. I feel like a newcomer who has got blessings from Rishiji and also Subhashji, from whom we have bought the rights of the original.

What made you take up this huge task?

After becoming successful in the field of music, I desired to become an actor. I felt I should give acting a shot. I took my parents’ blessings and accepted the challenge. After the success of Aap Kaa Surroor, people are making five big-budget films with me.

I feel everyone has an actor within him and everyone is attracted to the glamour world. I am fortunate that I am getting a chance to fulfil my dream of acting in the remake of my favourite film Karz.

You seem to be very modest and almost keen to talk about your weaknesses. Is it a defence mechanism?

No. Whenever I try to be defensive, it leads to a controversy whether it was in the Ashaji case or on the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa show. People had begun assuming that I was arrogant. As soon as I admitted that I sing from the nose, they went quiet and started loving me even more — they loved my honesty. I am craving for the love of people. I don’t want to antagonise them. I see a better path in being honest. So it’s not self-defence.

How would you assess your capabilities?

I am very good at my lines. I can do a five-page dialogue in one shot. Despite being a Gujarati, my Hindi and Urdu dictions are good.

What all has it taken to get this brand new long-haired, more-muscled look?

I have gone through a lot. I have undergone a hair transplant. People around me have really worked towards making me a star. Everyone in Karzzzz is trying to present me like a star. I also had to lose weight. So I gave up pizzas and ice creams. See, I have to eat these nachni rotis everyday (lying on the arm-rest of his car). I love them!

So your hard work is finally paying off?

I don’t know yet. On October 17, I can be completely written off. I have five big-budget films coming after this and they are all at stake because of Karzzzz.

You are working with a new heroine (Shweta Kumar) again in Karzzzz. Are you trying to be the new Rishi Kapoor?

I don’t have a choice because I have my own complexes. I don’t want my producer to lose money. I am a very unconventional actor. I am not sure if top actresses would like to work with me. Also, we have never even approached anyone because what if the chemistry doesn’t work? With newcomers there is no such risk.

But Urmila is an exception. She is no newcomer...

I am grateful that she agreed to work with me. She has done a brilliant job. After our chemistry worked in the song Tandoori Nights, I felt relieved. I call Urmila a superwoman and a legend. I keep asking her where she gets the inspiration to work so hard. She works with as much enthusiasm as a newcomer. She is always on time. It is very inspiring to see actors like her who work so hard even after achieving so much.

How would you compare the new Kamini (Urmila) with the original (Simi Garewal)?

If Simiji was outstanding, Urmila is no less.

You are coming up with so many films. How come Hansika (Motwani) doesn’t feature in any of them?

I got a lot of criticism for my pairing with Hansika (Aap Kaa Surroor). People complained that she was 16 and I was 32 — how could I work with her? Everybody said I looked like her dad. So I have got a mental block. But I have not ruled out the idea of working with her. She was a fantastic co-artiste.

You compose music, sing and act too. Doesn’t the multi-tasking drain you?

Multi-tasking is my X factor and USP. I am very happy about multi-tasking.

What next?

I will be having four more releases by next Diwali —

Kajrare, Hey Gujju, Mudh Mudh Ke Na Dekh and John Mathew Mathan’s A New Love Isshtory. My next release will be Pooja Bhatt’s Kajrare.

Is it true that you were apprehensive about doing a love-making scene in Kajrare?

I was. But that decision has not yet been taken whether that kiss or love-making scene will be retained. But I am not comfortable with the idea.