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Deepa Karmalkar
Posted online: Friday, July 14, 2006 at 0000 hours IST
His Brit accent, toned body and easy charm seem to be working wonders for him. Close on the heels of his stunning debut in 36 China Town, Upen Patel has signed up seven big banner projects and more are pouring in. Not surprising then that he was chosen to perform as the 'Star of Tomorrow' in Dubai recently, but did he act too big for his boots there? You are just back from the IIFA Awards in Dubai, how did your debut stage performance go?
Oh, I got an overwhelming response to my act! I featured as the 'Star of Tomorrow' and performed to Himesh Reshammiya's hit - 'Aa aa aashiqui mein teri...' from my debut film 36 China Town. Reportedly you were high-handed with the assistant choreographer as well as your co-performers there. Hey, you are just starting out and already throwing tantrums?
My detractors are trying to malign me, I certainly did not act too big for my boots. It was my first stage performance and I kept myself completely focussed on it. This also was the first time my folks had come to watch me perform. However, I can not be bullied by others, I am not pandering to anybody's ego, please. I like my work to do the talking. And you know me, can you imagine me being rude to anyone? If I know you at all, you are too chivalrous to resort to such tactics. However, you seem to have caught on with the ways of the filmdom pretty fast. From model to cooking on telly to silver screen, you are sure on a roll.
Isn't it phenomenal that I have seen so much success so soon? I am over the moon. In fact, I am on cloud nine. I have been really lucky...modelling for five years then hosting 13 episodes of Cook Na Kaho and then being offered an Abbas-Mustan film. The debut film clicks and I get multiple offers from A-list banners. The media and the film industry have supported me all the way. Oh boy, have I hit the jackpot!
You have signed up some two dozen films by now, haven't you?
I have signed seven big banner films - Venus, Tips, Abbas-Mustan, Ramesh Sippy, Vipul Shah, Vishal Bhardwaj and Percept.
Well done! But are any of these solo hero projects?
Yes indeed, Percept's Shoojit Sircar project worth 15-crores is my first solo hero film which also stars Nana Patekar. But really, I believe the script is the hero. I wouldn't agree that I am playing the second lead in other films. For instance, Suneel Darshan's Boom Shaka Laka which we are about to shoot in South Africa has Bobby Deol playing a negative role. And does that make me the hero of the film? Well, so everything depends on the script.
I am working hard on my diction as well as dancing. God willing, I will be dubbing my lines soon. And no, I am not being offered NRI roles only. I have a mixed bag - from a thriller, a love story, a comedy to a family drama - I am trying my hand at everything. You are off to a long outdoor now, where are you going?
Oh, I am off for a three-month-long outdoor. I will be in South Africa for Suneel Darshan's Boom Shaka Laka with Bobby Deol and Celina Jaitley and then London for Vipul Shah's Namaste London. Looks like your good karma is working wonders for you?
Sure, I too believe that karma and positive energies are working in my favour. I met Abbas-Mustan at a film party and they told me that they liked my attitude and my style of dressing and that they had something for me. I thought it was a filmy joke. But they called me right back saying that they have a role for me in a Subhash Ghai film! How can it be so easy - I often wonder! It has to be good karma, no doubt about that. What's your good luck charm?
The cleft in my chin!
Upen, youngsters look upto you. Any message for them?
I am just 24 and a vegetarian. I believe knowledge is power. I would say - eat well, train well and sleep well. Only by being healthy in mind can you be healthy in body too.
Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan
Mangal Lakshmi
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