To get back, I have to follow the market

After a six-year hibernation, the Aashiqui famed actor Rahul Roy is back at the helm of affairs. The actor – a Mahesh Bhatt discovery hit the bulls' eye in this debut film which was released in the 90s. He followed this up with four more films in his kitty from the Bhatt camp; viz; PHIR TERI KAHANI YAAD AAYEGI, JANAM, GUMRAAH and JUNOON. Suddenly he had a flurry of film offers and the actor signed films left, right and centre. Before he ebbed he had acted in lead roles in more than 30 films which included SAPNE SAAJAN KE, GAME and others. We caught up with the actor and spoke about his so called, 'second coming in the industry. Excerpts:

Where did you disappear?!

With films not happening much, I was occupied in our family business. We are into raw wool import business.
Sometime back a mediocre budget film was released…Isn't it?
Yes it was Meri Aashiqui. I heard that the producers and distributors were happy as it was a safe bet at the box-office.

You are really in news for your acting assignments in Hindi and Bhojpuri films?

Isn't that a good sign? Film makers are confident of Rahul Roy – the actor.

Have you shifted gears…. from lead to negative roles…

No. No… Not at all! It was a commitment. I'm playing a negative role in Madhusudan Mehta's Rafta Rafta – The Speed. It is the first and the last one.

Heard the film is to be released this month?

Madhusudan Mehta has floated his own distribution network and has plans to release the film in mid-February.

Your performances in slap-stick comedy film NAUGHTY BOY is being talked about in trade. Comment.

Naughty Boy is produced by Mahendra Dhariwal and directed by T.L.V. Prasad. I would not say it as a slap-stick comedy, but a situational comedy film. It runs on the similar lines of films like No Entry, Kya Kool Hai Hum, Garam Masala, etc.

Could you elucidate a bit further…

I play a mature role in Naughty Boy. I'm a multi-millionaire who is a widower. I have a son which is played by new boy Hitesh. I'm more like the playboy sort, who lives life on a fast lane, while my son is an introvert. I tell my secretary to hire a young governess kind of person who will nurture and embolden my son. A sexy girl with curvaceous curves – Mona Chopra is hired for the job. Looking at her I (the father) flips over her. Her looks and features send my male hormones overture. I desire and imagine getting married to this younger girl… But lo! Behold…. like the proverbial saying….. The girl has one in hand and two in a bush…!!!

How about the skin show in the film?

It is a complete today's genre of film. It does not have vulgar scenes. Though we are in a conservative country, the average family is progressing with the generation next.

Who is naughtier… the father, son or the girl?

Watch the film and find it out for yourself.

What are the release plans of NAUGHTY BOY?

The film will be released in the first week of March all over.

What about other projects?

There are two regional films where I'm playing the lead. One is a Bhojpuri film Gajab Rahail Hamaar and a Marathi film Chawa. Let me add here, being a Punjabi, I have dubbed for both the films myself!

What about serials?

I have already acted in more than 200 episodes of the small screen; viz; with Karisma Kapoor, Raman Kumar, etc. on Sahara, Zee and others. Presently, I'm concentrating only on films.

Are you satisfied with roles that are coming across?

One cannot be choosey without having anything on hand. You have to do quality oriented work to be visible and then only the other big makers will zero down to you. To get back, I have to follow the market trends and ready to go ahead and experiment too.

What next?

I'm doing two more films with Mahendra Dhariwal and T.L.V. Prasad. They are titled as Boyz In London and Naughty Girl. There are a couple of projects with my mentor Mahesh Bhatt. I may be a part of his Showbiz and a film directed by Mohit Suri. Then there are few more where I'm going through the subjects before signing on the dotted lines.

Have you bit adieu to your modeling career?

No. If something good comes along, I will surely do it. During 88-89, I had modeled for 500 shows. Then there were various commercials, of which Thackersay Fabrics and Vimal Suiting Shirtings were major ones