'Don't call me an item girl'
Actor Vivek Oberoi talks to Ram Kamal Mukherjee about his first item number, playing gunman Maya Dolas and his forthcoming film Omkara
The buzz is that you are playing the role of Maya Dolas in Shootout at Lokhandwala?
Yes, I am playing the role of Maya Dolas in Apoorva Lakhiya's film.
Earlier, for Company, you stayed in a chawl to prepare for the role of Chandu. What efforts are you making to play Maya Dolas?
Well, at the moment I am not in a position to disclose details about my character. I am very excited that I am working with such a great team. As far as my homework for the character is concerned, it's a lot of work.
It seems that you are concentrating more on negative roles, especially like the kind you played in Company. Are you going back to your old image, after you realised that viewers didn't like you in romantic roles?
I don't act for anyone. I am a selfish actor, I act for myself. I get absorbed in whatever role I play. And no, I am not trying to prove anything to anyone. I don't believe in getting trapped in an image. I am a greedy actor. I have enjoyed playing romantic roles in Pyare Mohan and I am equally excited about Cassio's role in Omkara. Maya Dolas will be completely different from what I have done in past.
In the original text of Shakespeare's Othello, Cassio appears to be a supporting character. Why did you agree to play a parallel lead in Vishal Bharadwaj's Omkara?
In fact, I didn't want to play Cassio alias Keshav Firangi of Omkara. When Vishal approached me for the role, I refused because I didn't consider myself apt for the role. I felt that Iago was a much more interesting character. Othello too, would be interesting. Vishal insisted that I hear the script once. After his narration, I was bowled over and immediately asked him, 'When can we start shooting?' Vishal's film is an adaptation of Othello, and the way he has given layers to Cassio's character is simply amazing.
How different is Keshav Firangi from Cassio's character in Othello?
What's intriguing about Keshav's character in Omkara is that he is well-versed with English, listens to a lot of English music, plays the guitar, and is a complete charmer. He is equally fluent in the local dialect. He suddenly breaks into English, hence his name, Firangi. On the one hand, he is cultured and soft-spoken and on the other, he is the baahubali (strength) of the political mafia. He stands as a strong contender for the throne which Omkara leaves vacant and eventually succeeds him.
You have done your first item number 'Bidi Jalaike' in Omkara…
(Interrupts) You can call the track an item number, but don't call me an item girl! (Laughs)
What took you so long to gyrate in an item number?
Yeah, I haven't got much opportunity to showcase my dancing skills. But I have been told that I am a pretty decent dancer. As for this number, I loved the rustic energy in the song, and I am supposed to be completely sloshed.
I used to ask my choreographer Ganesh Hegde to show me the steps and I would blindly follow his jhatkas and matkas. And believe me, Bipasha is much more sensuous off screen than on screen. She is a symbol of on-screen sensuality, but is so beautiful and strong in real life too.
Bipasha and you have a steamy lovemaking scene in Omkara? How comfortable were you while shooting for it?
I am really shy. Not too long ago, a great filmmaker asked me to kiss an actress on screen; I expected her to say 'no' but when she agreed to do the scene, I was left feeling shy. I feel awkward. But I think I am growing up now, I am trying to get over my bashfulness. As far as the lovemaking scene with Bipasha is concerned, I won't divulge anything!
Is it true that you learnt to play the guitar for Omkara?
I was always eager to learn the instrument. It's an irony that I finally managed to do so because of my director. Vishal had organised for a talented guitarist called Sarosh to train me before and after shooting. Because of Sarosh's dedication and talent I could play the guitar in tune. The other nice thing was that Saif Ali Khan, who is also a guitarist was there too. He helped me too. I would first watch him play and then I would play it myself. In fact, I bonded very well with Saif during our music sessions.
Your pet name is Rockstar. Now you can live up to it.
Well, I live like one, although I don't play the guitar like a Rockstar yet. Now I think the guitar will make it a complete picture. (Laughs)
They say that whenever Vivek is not doing anything, he is shooting for Naksha. When will the film release?
(Laughs) I wonder why? Do you have an answer to it? I am sure you do. It's an answer everyone knows but nobody will say.
How was it to work with Sunny Deol and Sameera Reddy in Naksha?
It was thoroughly enjoyable. Director Sachin Bajaj is a very dear friend of mine and it's his debut film. I had a great time with Sunny, Sameera and Jackie Shroff. I believe he is a great director and the film should do well.
At the premiere of Phir Hera Pheri, you were spotted with a young girl. Who is she?
(Vivek is silent)
Do you want me to repeat the question?
Didn't you hear the silence? That's my answer. (Laughs) I am very happy, the way I am now.
You were earlier dating Gurpreet when you entered the industry, later you had an affair with Aishwarya Rai. Now that you are single, are you enjoying it?
More than I expected to.
So are you ready to mingle?
When I am, I will let everyone know… (smiles)
• "Believe me, Bipasha is much more sensuous off screen than on screen. She is a symbol of on-screen sensuality, but is so beautiful and strong in real life too"
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