'THE FILM REFLECTS OUR PERSONAL STRUGGLES'
Still getting used to their newfound fame, actors of the recently released dance 3D film discuss their future as they get emotional about their journey so far
It's safe to say that when ABCD — Any Body Can Dance released earlier this month, not many expected it to do business worth R41 cr in all of two weeks. In fact, it made roughly R20 cr on the opening weekend itself.
htcaf EXCLUSIVE (From left to right) Punit Pathak, Lauren Gottlieb, Salman Yusuff Khan and Dharmesh Yelande strike a pose exclusively for usThe young film stars, who until a few weeks ago were only known for their dancing skills, are now looking forward to promising acting careers. Basking in the success of their debut film, Salman Yusuff Khan, Dharmesh Yelande, Punit Pathak and Lauren Gottlieb reveal what lies ahead.
Did you expect your film to do this well?
SALMAN: I always knew it would work. The youth wants something new and the film gives them that.
ABCD is a small-budget film, with choreographers in the lead roles. It's an underdog film about underdogs. Were you nervous?
PUNIT: We were all very nervous. But in the last few days, we have had to charge our phones multiple times every day because we have been flooded with calls and messages from well-wishers. When Dharmesh and I met, we just hugged each other. It was an emotional reaction to this overwhelming response, which most newcomers don't get. We all have come from humble backgrounds with dreams of becoming dancing stars and actors. And the film too reflects our personal struggles and lives in a way.
LAUREN: I think the best actors are essentially dancers.
SALMAN: I am a mechanical engineer and come from a conservative Muslim background. When I participated in the dance reality show, my relatives were afraid that I would disgrace our family. But I have got here by God's grace. I was always sure that ABCD would click. It is my life's story. Every youngster who doesn't have a godfather will relate to it.
What kind of reactions have you got from the film industry?
SALMAN: R Madhavan messaged that he loved the film. I have danced to so many songs from his films, especially Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein ( 2001). It was really sweet of him to tweet about the movie.
What does the future hold? Are talks for ABCD 2 on?
DHARMESH: I can't think of the future, I never thought this was possible in the first place. I never imagined that UTV would produce a film with non-actors like us, and give us a chance to prove ourselves. I am proud to be part of this film. ABCD will be remembered as the first dance movie in India. I do hope I get more films. We have been hearing talks about ABCD 2 as well.
PUNIT: We will audition for ABCD 2 (laughs). These last few days have been the longest for us. I have got lots of offers to choreograph for TV and films. Earlier we used to struggle for work. Now we are buried with offers. I will be judging a dance show on a Punjabi channel. I also choreographed a song with Remo sir for the film Two States yesterday.
DHARMESH: All of us have been offered a song featured in a Tamil film. I have many dance shows lined up in Dubai, South Africa, Germany, USA and Israel.
Do you see an acting career ahead?
SALMAN: Right now, I am working on my second film, Freedom, with director Vivek Agnihotri. I am playing the second lead, and will also choreograph. Though I have been a choreographer for two years since Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Freedom will be my debut as a choreographer in movies.
You guys are dancers first but if you are offered roles that don't focus on dance, would you accept them?
PUNIT: We earn a living because of our love for dance, so we will stay true to it. As it is, dancing is an essential part of Bollywood so we're not too worried. Before ABCD I was going to be a choreographer and later move towards direction. That's my ultimate dream. Whether I become an actor, choreographer or dancer, I will pursue my dream of becoming a director.
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