I believe in doing only commercial films

Page

Sarah

@S a r a h

Rocker

+ 2

Posted: 18 years ago

'I believe in doing only commercial films'

He kissed his way to fame, earning the title of a 'serial kisser'. His earlier films like Zeher (2005), Kalyug (2005) and Gangster (2006) have all done well at the box office. Now fans of Emraan Hashmi will see more of him with The Train, Good Boy Bad Boy and Awarapan all set for release. In this interview with Girish Rao, the actor talks about his films and his new 'bad' tag. Excerpts: Is it true that the box office will soon witness an Emraan Hashmi film festival? Actually, the promos of The Train and Good Boy Bad Boy are currently on air and those of Awarapan will soon start. All these films will release in a span of two months. How do you feel about the' bad' tag which has been thrust upon you off late?

I don't know much about this image of mine. When Ashwini Chaudhari, director of Good Boy Bad Boy was narrating the script to me he kept on saying 'good boy' and 'bad boy' over and over again. It struck me then that he was pitching me for the role of bad boy so in a way it was not very surprising for me. Actually, the interesting part about this film is that both Tusshar and me playing the characters -- good boy and bad boy. It's like swapping different roles in colleges.

Ashwini (the director) is known for making serious films and has won national awards also. Was it surprising for you seeing him make a laugh riot?

Actually I was concerned about this myself and I had also spoken to Ashwini Ji and Subhash Ghai Ji about this. I will be honest here, I had some doubts initially but everyone needs to prove themselves and to other people. I realised how good he was on day one itself when he created a different atmosphere. He has done a tremendous justice to the script and the screenplay. What are the pros and cons of Vishesh Films and Mukta Arts? There is certainly a difference between the films made by both the banners. Those made by the Bhatt camp are very intense while those of Subhash Ji's have been on the lighter side. And yes, the negative part being that Vishesh Films takes me for granted because I am a family member (laughs). On the contrary, people at Mukta Arts have respected me (laughs). You were seen wearing a 'serial kisser' t-shirt when Jawani Diwani was released and a 'bad boy' t-shirt during a Good Boy Bad Boy promotion but no t-shirt for The Train's music launch. How come? Oh, you missed it. Actually that day I was sporting a 'wanna ride' shirt. But it was written on the back so you missed it (chuckles). Do you choose such t-shirts and shirts?

There is no conscious decision involved in it. Whenever I go shopping I always buy such weird stuff.

Unlike your other films, Himesh Reshammiya has not composed the score for The Train. What's your take on it? I don't have any say in such matters. It's the producer and director's call. When they want a certain kind of melody for a particular film then it's their prerogative to approach a music director of their choice. There were rumours of problems between Himesh and you? I don't want to comment on that. The music of GBBB has really caught up among youth. How far will it go? Well, the initial response is very positive. The interesting aspect about the film is that it will appeal to a wider audience. It has this lighter note as well as an element of nostalgia. Most of us have been to college and so the music has a youthful feel to it. During your college days were you a good boy or a bad boy? A bit of both. Actually, I was more of a bad boy. I hardly attended college...I must have attended only four to five lectures during my entire stay there. Why?

Just like that. I was never interested in studies. I used to spend more time in my friend's college than my own.

Awarapan has been dubbed as the costliest film from the Bhatt camp till date. What's your reaction on this? This is one film to look out for this season. The concept and the script is really very nice. Every character of the film has been written after much thought and discussion. My role is by far the best I've ever enacted. Prior to this all the roles I played were far more rooted and real but this one carries a larger than life tag to it. The chemistry between Mohit Suri and you sparks magic on screen. That's definitely true. Mohit and me used to hang out together as kids. Before Awarapan I had done two films with Mohit, the first one being Zaher. When he asked me to do a special appearance for Kalyug I jumped at the chance. A rapport or a comfort level is surely there between Mohit and me. When he directs me there is a tuning between two of us. I know what he wants and he knows how to get the best out of me. What about a hair cut after you are through with the shooting of Awarapan?

Mmmm...(bit confused) I might retain the same appearance for my next film. Actually it all depends upon the discretion of the director.

To choose a train for your film The Train, you went all the way to Bangkok when it could easily have been an Indian train...

Who am I to have a say in choosing the train? The director of the film has based his story in Bangkok. The central plot of the film dabbles with the loneliness of the protagonist. He is a common man in the film who everyday travels to his office from home and back and the medium he chooses is a train. The train is symbolic. The character is dissociated from the entire scenario despite being a crowded place. Also Bangkok trains look better. (Laughs) How nervous are you about these three new releases? Well, I am very happy that all the three films have shaped up well. The script for all the three was very nice. All my directors are sensible people and their sensibility is at par with the commercial demands of the film.

I believe in doing only commercial films. The best part about all these films is that they will appeal to a larger spectrum of audience. I have different characters and different looks in the film. I am excited and nervous.