Davis Raaz strikes a pose. Picture by Gopal Senapati

His mop of bushy, curly hair and dark looks are perfect for his roles. He enjoys playing villain in Bengali and Hindi films and he has been doing this for the past 20 years. “I see bad people around me all the time, who are out to cheat those who are innocent and villains in films only reflect this,” said Davis. He was last seen as the mastermind behind the anti-hero in Haranath Chakraborty’s Amar Bodyguard released in April and is awaiting release of another film Lattu, where he has a small role. Even as he waits, Davis is visiting production houses looking for the ‘bad man’ roles of his choice.

Hoping to become a hero, Davis stepped into the world of cinema as a villain, starting his career as a ghost in a horror serial on Doordarshan when he was about 22 years old. Davis has often been seen as the villain’s accomplice or as the lead negative character in many films. Apart from Tollywood, Davis has also had a stint in Bollywood and in Bangladesh. “My looks helped me a lot at that time. My hairstyle was different. I had long dread locks and many people would cast me in their films because of those looks. I would stand out from the rest. Last year, after my mother’s death, I had to shave my head so now my hair has grown naturally and my look has changed,” said Davis.

Films were always a fancy for Davis since childhood, but at that time he concentrated on playing cricket. He practised at the Calcutta Maidan and played for clubs in tournaments. But a sudden impulse took him to Mumbai to try his luck there. “A friend of mine had gone to Mumbai and I followed him there. I could not, however, manage to do much. I did petty jobs and visited Film City and production houses to get a break. I struggled for the first two years and came back to Calcutta,” said Davis. After returning, he got work in a horror serial directed by Asit Sen that was aired on Doordarshan. From then on, he got offers for other serials and films.

“I would visit Mumbai from time to time to keep in touch with people there. In 2002, I got a role in Sridevi’s film Shakti directed by Krishna Vamsi,” said Davis. He was cast as Nana Patekar’s assistant in the film. Before that he had worked in Iqbal Zorani’s 2001 film, Mitti. “Vikram Bhatt cast me for Raaz but because my dates were clashing with the shooting of Shakti, I had to give it up,” said Davis. Back in Tollywood, Davis has worked with directors like Haranath Chakraborty, Raj Chakraborty, Ringo and others. He has worked in Raj Chakraborty’s Chirodinee Tumi Je Amar, Challenge and a short comedy sequence in Prem Amar. He has also worked in Ringo’s Jodhha and Kranti.

Living in Mumbai has been a great experience for Davis. “I have often been appreciated for my work in Mumbai,” he said. He has also met veteran villains of Bollywood. “I met Gulshan Grover, Paresh Rawal and others,” said Davis.

More about davis

• DoB: October 9, 1972
• Born in: Howrah
• Family: Brother and his family
• Loves: Sports, helping others
• Hates: Injustice and deceit

Dalia Mukherjee