inTERviews of the stars

My mom and me were discussing Shakespeare and she said I should do a movie based on Shakespeare's play. And it so happened that she said that you either do Hamlet or Othello and the next day Kumarji and Vishal called and asked if I would like to work in Vishal's interpretation of Othello and I said, 'Yes, of course'. He did not offer Othello's role but that of Iago. I was not so keen on Iago, but he read out the first scene and it was like a western movie. It was so well written. I just agreed on basis of that first scene Most attractive thing about the script was it was a very close adaptation of the original in movement and character. The character setting is in a kind of western UP, where the political mafia is already a master piece. And in many ways the Indian society is still structured like the England of that time. And classic by definition means something that is relevant all time. Most international films are films true to their own culture and language. Here as well we are touching the same chord.

What was the most challenging aspect of doing Omkara?

The dialogues! It was a challenge because of the dialect. It was also a challenge portray the character. It's a very crude kind of character. It was not something that would come naturally to me. The character is extremely removed from my own personality. The way he walks, talks etc is totally against my own behaviour.

Could you elaborate more on your character in the film?

Well, I play Eshwar Tyagi, nicknamed Langda Tyagi due to the limp. The limp shows my evil side. He is disappointed because Omkara played by Ajay Devgan does not promote him. He just destroys people around him. He just manipulates their lives to his advantage. He uses them and their proximity to him to destroy them. A strong theme in this film is insecurity and jealousy which is very much a part of our society.

It seems you were reluctant to change your looks for the film…

That's true! I did not want to do away with my long locks. I did it albeit reluctantly (laughs). Then some scars of mine were made prominent, some other scars added, teeth were turned to yellow, beard grown, chapped lips, I wear an earing, have a limp, the entire dressing style is different. Everything in my role is an act... not at all close to my real personality. Some films I have played a person closer to my nature. So Langda—he is most lethal, evil, dangerous and satanic to an extent, nasty villain of Shakespere ever. Some people believe that he is the devil himself. Some people who have played Iago have gone to psychiatrist and wonder why he does behave in such a manner. He is a psychopath. He has no moral guilt attached to any of his actions. Langda Tyagi is a psychopath in the true sum of the word. Arch Villain

Who is more tragic—Omkara or Langda?

Om of course! He's jealous and insecure, believes in lies about one whom he loves. The depth of a tragedy is basic on lethal flaw is in his case its jealousy. He just ends up killing his wife due to the jealousy. In India still people are capable of killing a wife

Recently there were rumours that all was not well between you and Rosa?

Well, everything is all right between Rosa and me. I have no issues if she interested in taking up work in the glamour industry. In fact, we have just bought ourselves a new pad in Bandra and soon plan to move in there.