I harbour no Hollywood ambitions: Abhay Deol

Actor Abhay Deol, who has always been known for his unconventional choices in real as well as reel life, has decided to keep at it. Abhay, who's been travelling a lot, attending seminars and panel discussions, says the word 'new age cinema' has become almost synonymous with him.

"I was at IFFI in Goa for a panel discussion and after that attended another one. I am going to Jaipur soon for another discussion, so I have been travelling quite a bit. But the funny thing is that most of these panels I am on, want me to talk about new age cinema. It's usually about how filmmakers are attempting experimental stuff."

Ask him if he is okay with the 'unconventional' tag that has been bestowed upon him and he says, "I am not surprised with the tag. As long as it is complimentary, I do not have a problem. All of us like to have the freedom to do anything, and I am glad I have it. I am happy that I am put in a box where I am allowed to do new things;so as long as I have that freedom, it's fine. I will continue to do films that do not conform."

The actor is currently shooting for Rock The Shaadi, a film about zombies and Punjabi wedding. He's also reported to be doing an item number in the film. Quiz him about it and he says, "Wait and watch. It's coming along just fine."And then as an afterthought adds, "Dancing is something I don't have a choice of doing or not doing. I will crib and cry about it, but I will still go ahead with it."
Ask him about an update of his Hollywood venture with Roland Joeffe's Singularity and he clams up.

"It is best left to the producers to answer that one. They know everything about the film." Abhay, however, clarifies that he's not pursuing a career in Hollywood. "Everyone is open to it, but no one has really made any progress. Tell me, if any of our actors were doing anything in Hollywood, would they not be positioned there?" he counter questions. "Our top actors are all busy, working here. To be in Hollywood, you need to be in LA. I haven't made the effort to try my luck there. It would be stupid of me to say that I am sitting here and working in Hollywood," comes his parting shot.