Your next film ‘Double XL’ has a quirky name and seems to be totally unlike your debut, ‘Notebook’. Was the unique content the reason why you chose the film?
‘Double XL’ is an interesting film. I can’t disclose much except that it’s about plus size people. It is something I have seen very closely in my life. I have seen my sister, cousins, friends go through body shaming. I was talking to a friend recently and she said that it’s so annoying when you meet someone after a long time, the first thing you notice is the person’s weight. It’s not just about women, but men too. I have become conscious about it now, not to pass a comment about someone’s weight. I have some friends who have been vocal about it so I know. Otherwise I would have been unaware of it. I am happy that I am part of this interesting film.
There’s been a lot of speculation around your bonding with Sonakshi Sinha. Is there any truth to the rumours?
She is one of my best friends. I don’t know why these rumours started all of a sudden. All of us have been hanging out together since so many years. We have been friends for a long time.
What’s going to be your priority in 2022? Career or personal life?
I have signed a couple of films. One is a sports film and the other is an action comedy. I always pray that not just in 2022, but in life also, I have to fight for a ‘day off’. I hope that I’m blessed with that much work that I can’t afford a day off.
There was an incident where somebody told me that there was a person neck deep in work and he was praying for a break. Khuda ne sunn li aur jo filmein chal rahi thi woh bhi ruk gayi. There was not much work which came his way. I get very scared thinking about that story. I pray that there never comes a time when I am sitting at home without work.
Your debut film ‘Notebook’ got a bittersweet response from the critics and audiences alike. Were you disappointed?
It was a little sad that the film didn’t do well at the box office. It’s a different thing when you know that the film is crap. But whoever watched ‘Notebook’ liked it. So, it was a little sad that the film didn’t achieve box office success. But I am a positive person. I took a couple of weeks to brush it off. I went backpacking alone, got my thoughts together and came back ready to start again. It’s easy to celebrate success. But a man is tested when he is down. I learnt a lot and came out stronger.
Did you have to reach out to people for work, all over again?
I am shameless. I don’t have any apprehensions in asking for work. You know, even at a party, I have asked filmmakers, can I come to your office and discuss work. I am a realist. I don’t pretend to be busy. You have to be hungry and chase after what you want.
How would you describe your rapport with Salman Khan today?
Whenever I am confused, I run to him. He has trained us well, and explained to us clearly about how the industry works. Today, we might not need him three times a day, but maybe once a week, to guide us on the big things. He is always there for us.
Have you ever thought about a career behind the camera, too?
You know, going by how much I talk, if I direct a film, it will be a 6-8 hour film. I don’t know which detail to not give out. I tell and shoot everything. I don’t have any aspirations to become a director. But yes, I definitely want to get into production. I am a problem solver and I love business. It gives me a kick. As soon as I’m ready to venture into production, you will hear the news.
A lot of young actors have found success on OTT platforms through web shows. Have you ever considered that path?
I listened to a few offers but nothing excited me. But it’s not like I won’t do it. In fact, I am looking forward to this medium.
What’s your take on producers opting for hybrid releases during COVID times and releasing their films on both OTT and in theatres?
To be honest, I think, while releasing a film, all you want to ensure as a producer is that it gets maximum reach. Once you sit on mathematics, it all depends on that. If it works for you to release the film in theatres and simultaneously on the OTT in a week or two, then why not. It also depends on how much faith you have got in a film. Do you feel people will still come to the theatres to watch your film in spite of it being available on the OTT? It’s a gamble.
Today, ‘Pushpa’ is doing phenomenally both on OTT as well as in the theatres. It’s a film where you have the faith that people will come to the theatres to watch no matter what.
