I need money. I'm not here to do charity: Abhay

By Subhash K Jha

Abhay Deol is down in Mumbai from New York to shoot for Anil Kapoor's production starring his daughter Sonam Kapoor. The shooting of the delayed project finally starts on August 27.

Abhay is now focusing entirely on full preparation the desi adaptation of Emma from August 27. Rehearsals and preparations have been on full-blast.

The methodical actor has been taking Salsa lessons to play his character.

Says Abhay, "I know there were rumours about the future of the film… There always will be rumours about everything. I'm taking Salsa lessons for my character from my choreographer Ashley Lobo. After this I've to start taking riding lessons. So work is on full swing."

Abhay admits he hasn't read Jane Austen's novel as part of his preparation for Ayesha. "But all of Jane Austen's heroes have some distinctive traits."

Abhay has been in regular rehearsals with Sonam Kpaoor. Ayesha would seem like a far more conventional film than the quirky off-mainstream character he has been playing.

"You forget I started my career with a romantic comedy. Imtiaz Ali's Socha Na Tha"

Imtiaz and Abhay started their careers together. Yet, like Raj Kumar Santoshi did with Abhay's cousin Sunny, Imtiaz seems to have moved on.

"Where has he moved to?" is Abhay's clever repartee, "When he has a script for me he'll tell me I'm sure. Both of us are busy with our own films."

Ayesha will be shot in Delhi, Mumbai and Rishikesh. So Abhay will be in India for a while. "I've to go to the US back in October. I've other acting offers in Mumbai. But I'm in no hurry to sign. I'm right now focusing on my production house, besides Ayesha."

Abhay wants to buy an apartment in New York. But the kind of money that he's offered in Bollywood won't pay for the home in the US.

Says Abhay, "I've looked at a place that I like in New York. But it's too early to buy any property. I need to earn money first.

That's why I'm starting my own production housse Forbidden Films, so I can work for myself and pay myself with the profits and really get to know my market value. Everyobody needs money. I'm not here to do charity." Abhay has finished a script and he's now looking at a director for his first production.