Abhay returns back with a gamut of films

Excerpts from a chat with him:

You were missing from action for one year since the release of your first film 'Socha Na Tha'.

I wasn't on the front but I was neither sitting ideal in the last one year. I've been shooting for many films in the mean time. There are four films in the pipeline that I'm doing at this moment. Some of them are already ready to release. There is '1.40 Ki Last Local' with Neha Dhupia, which is expected to release in the third week of July. Following that there will be 'Ahista Ahista' with Soha Ali Khan, 'Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd' opposite Minnisha Lamba and a very different film 'Meridian'.

Narrate about the incident during the shoot at Bhayandar station for 1.40 Ki Last Local.

Actually we were shooting in the Bhayandar station. A crowd had gathered there to watch the shoot. Suddenly people from the crowd started misbehaving and pelting stones. Police had to be called to take the situation under control and they resorted to lathi-charge. I was in the train shooting some scenes. When we went to the spot we found that the windows of the make-up van and a car has been smashed. Luckily my car which was parked there was completely untouched.

So '1.40 Ki Last Local' provided you the scope to travel by train.

I was a regular commuter by train when I was in Mithibai College. So traveling by train again revived back those memories in my mind. I play a middle-class guy here who works as a call-centre executive and misses his last local. He has only seven rupees with him but by morning he gains Rs 2 crores. The entire situation in the film happens within one night. According to the situations I get to perform many characters. I belong to a privileged family but I have also worked abroad when I was a student of Fine Arts and Theatre. I used my former experience to essay the character here. The story is plot-driven and it is a dark comedy.

Turning towards Ahista Ahista, tell us something about the film?

This is a film on the inter-personal relationships between numerous characters. The film is directed by Vinod Mitra and produced by Nilesh Dadhich and treads the way of suspense. Arjun Rampal, Konkana Sensharma and Raima Sen are in pivotal role in the film.

What is your role in Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd?

This is a film by debutante director Reema Kagti. It is one of the most well organized units I have worked with. It was a different experience working with 13-14 actors on the sets in Goa. I enjoyed a great time being a part of the film. Though I don't have much to do I'm happy with the great role that has been offered to me.

You don't seem hesitant to work with new directors.

After Socha Na Tha, I didn't get offers from big banners but only new comers approached me. I have no problems to work with passionate people who can tap the talent out of me. Being a newcomer I fit into the criteria perfectly.