Posted:
'Watch the film to know who's the kaminey'
Vajir Singh, Hindustan Times
Email Author
Mumbai, June 10, 2009
First Published: 14:07 IST(10/6/2009)
Last Updated: 18:16 IST(10/6/2009)
Plans to come out into the open, and finally admit to a relationship.. Priyanka Chopra, we presume...
Three films lining up for release and you are planning a vacation?
One of the biggest drawbacks of being an actor is that you can't just take off when you want. I'd planned on a 20-day break that has whittled down to just a week. Still, it'll give me a chance go out of Mumbai with my family, away from work and just chill.
A couple of days ago, I wrapped up Ken Ghosh's Yahoo with Genelia D'Souza. Vishal's (Bharadwaj) Kaminey and Anurag Singh's Haddipa are ready and waiting.
You've been in the news lately..
Yeah, for wearing a cap all the time, even when in the gym. Hey, I had long hair then and it would get in the way when I was working out, so I wore a topi. And even that grabbed headlines.
Actually, we were talking about the new love of your life, Priyanka Chopra?
Priyanka is a talented girl, an absolute surprise as an actress. She's at the peak of her career now.
And personally?
I don't want to discuss this. Just because we've been spotted together doesn't mean that we're dating each other.
Recently you went to Tarun Mansukhani's birthday party together?
So? Going for a party with someone doesn't mean anything. I go out with lot of people. We both live in the same building and often go for shooting together. It's no big deal!
You were scheduled to perform a number from Kaminey at the IIFA Awards in Macau this week till Priyanka opted out. Now even you've dropped out.
We had not confirmed that we would be performing together. There are thousands of rumours floating around. This is just one of them. I backed out due to a prior commitment to my producer.
Yeah. Ken Ghosh who has been kept hanging for dates for three years?
Why don't you ask Ken about this? The truth is that I sat in his house for six months and prodded him to make a movie. I don't know what was wrong with him but he just wasn't willing to make films.
Earlier, Jiah Khan was cast opposite you in Yahoo but after shooting with her you insisted on Genelia D'Souza, and Khan was shown the door.
I had no say in this matter. In fact, I got the news of Jiah being replaced from the producer. She's a good actress and I hope to work with her in the future.
Buzz is that Sooraj Barjatya is all set to return to direction and you will be a part of his next project?
I have my fingers crossed. It would be an honour to work with Soorajji again.
A year ago, when you did Kisment Connection with Vidya Balan everyone said she looked older to you. In a few months, you'll be seen with Rani Mukherji in Yash Raj Film's next Haddipa and could face the same situation.
Don't make snap judgements without seeing us together. If the film is good and our characters are liked, our pairing will be accepted. Rani's fantastic in the film.
But you weren't even on talking terms during the making of the film and would keep each other waiting endlessly?
(Laughs) Hum professional log hain. We don't do such things. If we had kept each other waiting, the film would have taken years to wrap up.
Okay, so why don't you put all these rumours to rest, really start dating someone again and admit to it?
Give me some time and I might just come out in the open and admit to such a thing. But you'll have to be patient and wait for that something to happen. Now let's talk movies.
Right. What drew you to Kaminey.. director Vishal Bharadwaj, the script or the title?
(Laughs) When the film was offered to me it was untitled. And you'll have to see the film to know who's the kaminey. I was keen on working with Vishal as he can bring something new out of every actor.
Also, I play a double role in the movie and that's always difficult. But when Vishal narrated the script to me, I loved it and immediately wanted to be a part of it.
Were you Vishal's first choice?
(Laughs) That you will have to ask him Aren't you like opposite poles?
I don't think so. I've been around for more than four years and I have always worked with all kinds of directors in all kind of movies. The audience is always looking for something new from you.
Yeah, you've been experimenting with looks and genres even before getting a toehold in the industry?
You don't wait to do something hatke. Fortunately, all the experimentation has worked in my favour. For one of the character in Kaminey, Chalu, I went through a rigorous body building plan to look lean and macho. It took a few months but I got it right.
Is Vishal a hard taskmaster?
I'd say he's very sorted and a great help to an actor. He is always prepared and clued in to every department. Yes, we had thousands of discussions but that's normal when you're looking to give your best. I would put my point across but at the same time trust Vishal to do what was right. He, in return, gave me a lot of creative freedom.
When is your father's (Pankaj Kapur) film happening?
Towards the end of this year. In a week or two from now, we will finalise the rest of the cast too.
Lastly, what's your take on the recently concluded tussle between multiplex owners and the producer/distributors forum?
The strike was the best thing to happen to the industry but it was terrible that it lasted so long. Three months, almost, which was invested for the good cause was very painful, but in the long run it will be fruitful.
Vajir Singh, Hindustan Times
Email Author
Mumbai, June 10, 2009
First Published: 14:07 IST(10/6/2009)
Last Updated: 18:16 IST(10/6/2009)
Plans to come out into the open, and finally admit to a relationship.. Priyanka Chopra, we presume...
Three films lining up for release and you are planning a vacation?
One of the biggest drawbacks of being an actor is that you can't just take off when you want. I'd planned on a 20-day break that has whittled down to just a week. Still, it'll give me a chance go out of Mumbai with my family, away from work and just chill.
A couple of days ago, I wrapped up Ken Ghosh's Yahoo with Genelia D'Souza. Vishal's (Bharadwaj) Kaminey and Anurag Singh's Haddipa are ready and waiting.
You've been in the news lately..
Yeah, for wearing a cap all the time, even when in the gym. Hey, I had long hair then and it would get in the way when I was working out, so I wore a topi. And even that grabbed headlines.
Actually, we were talking about the new love of your life, Priyanka Chopra?
Priyanka is a talented girl, an absolute surprise as an actress. She's at the peak of her career now.
And personally?
I don't want to discuss this. Just because we've been spotted together doesn't mean that we're dating each other.
Recently you went to Tarun Mansukhani's birthday party together?
So? Going for a party with someone doesn't mean anything. I go out with lot of people. We both live in the same building and often go for shooting together. It's no big deal!
You were scheduled to perform a number from Kaminey at the IIFA Awards in Macau this week till Priyanka opted out. Now even you've dropped out.
We had not confirmed that we would be performing together. There are thousands of rumours floating around. This is just one of them. I backed out due to a prior commitment to my producer.
Yeah. Ken Ghosh who has been kept hanging for dates for three years?
Why don't you ask Ken about this? The truth is that I sat in his house for six months and prodded him to make a movie. I don't know what was wrong with him but he just wasn't willing to make films.
Earlier, Jiah Khan was cast opposite you in Yahoo but after shooting with her you insisted on Genelia D'Souza, and Khan was shown the door.
I had no say in this matter. In fact, I got the news of Jiah being replaced from the producer. She's a good actress and I hope to work with her in the future.
Buzz is that Sooraj Barjatya is all set to return to direction and you will be a part of his next project?
I have my fingers crossed. It would be an honour to work with Soorajji again.
A year ago, when you did Kisment Connection with Vidya Balan everyone said she looked older to you. In a few months, you'll be seen with Rani Mukherji in Yash Raj Film's next Haddipa and could face the same situation.
Don't make snap judgements without seeing us together. If the film is good and our characters are liked, our pairing will be accepted. Rani's fantastic in the film.
But you weren't even on talking terms during the making of the film and would keep each other waiting endlessly?
(Laughs) Hum professional log hain. We don't do such things. If we had kept each other waiting, the film would have taken years to wrap up.
Okay, so why don't you put all these rumours to rest, really start dating someone again and admit to it?
Give me some time and I might just come out in the open and admit to such a thing. But you'll have to be patient and wait for that something to happen. Now let's talk movies.
Right. What drew you to Kaminey.. director Vishal Bharadwaj, the script or the title?
(Laughs) When the film was offered to me it was untitled. And you'll have to see the film to know who's the kaminey. I was keen on working with Vishal as he can bring something new out of every actor.
Also, I play a double role in the movie and that's always difficult. But when Vishal narrated the script to me, I loved it and immediately wanted to be a part of it.
Were you Vishal's first choice?
(Laughs) That you will have to ask him Aren't you like opposite poles?
I don't think so. I've been around for more than four years and I have always worked with all kinds of directors in all kind of movies. The audience is always looking for something new from you.
Yeah, you've been experimenting with looks and genres even before getting a toehold in the industry?
You don't wait to do something hatke. Fortunately, all the experimentation has worked in my favour. For one of the character in Kaminey, Chalu, I went through a rigorous body building plan to look lean and macho. It took a few months but I got it right.
Is Vishal a hard taskmaster?
I'd say he's very sorted and a great help to an actor. He is always prepared and clued in to every department. Yes, we had thousands of discussions but that's normal when you're looking to give your best. I would put my point across but at the same time trust Vishal to do what was right. He, in return, gave me a lot of creative freedom.
When is your father's (Pankaj Kapur) film happening?
Towards the end of this year. In a week or two from now, we will finalise the rest of the cast too.
Lastly, what's your take on the recently concluded tussle between multiplex owners and the producer/distributors forum?
The strike was the best thing to happen to the industry but it was terrible that it lasted so long. Three months, almost, which was invested for the good cause was very painful, but in the long run it will be fruitful.
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