ETimes caught up with the actor for an exclusive interview where he opened up about working with Ajay Devgn in ‘Rudra: The Edge of Darkness’, his journey and much more. Excerpts..
What kind of reactions have you been getting for your performance in ‘Rudra: The Edge of Darkness’?
I portrayed the character of ‘Colonel Yashwant Nikose‘ who is very vicious and crooked. The response is very good and I believe that people love me watching while doing a negative role. It was our director Rajesh Mapuskar who wanted me to play this role. We know each other for the past 20 years. He was working as assistant director in the TV show during the 90’s. So, we know each other from the beginning of our careers.
Go On….
Mapuskar narrated the script of ‘Rudra: The Edge of Darkness’ and also told me that role is small but it is an important one.
How was it working with Ajay Devgn?
J. P. Dutta’s ‘LOC: Kargil’ was my first with Ajay Devgn which was released in 2003. Now, after almost 20 years, we are working together in ‘Rudra: The Edge of Darkness’. He is a very cool and warm person. We did our rehearsal together and I think we had a very good time together.
OTT has been a gamechanger for many in the industry. How do you look at this change as an actor?
It’s a very good platform for newcomers who want to show their talent. For me, I have been part of this industry for a long time and during our struggle phase, we were not having any such platforms. But there are actors like me who are working after a big gap, then OTT is a very good platform to get into that limelight again.
You have acted for more than two decades across several languages. How difficult is it to play versatile characters and not repeat your performance?
I got my training for acting through my godfather Govind Nihalani. Luckily, I got a chance to share screens with Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah and many other actors. After working with such great versatile actors, it helped develop my own talents. So, I don’t work hard for any characters, I try to bring experience and observation into play.
Is there any one film that is closest to your heart?
My first commercial film ‘Fareb’ will always remain close to my heart. But If I have to choose one then, ‘God Mother’ is one best films. I was playing opposite Shabana Azmi, who is one of the finest actresses of Hindi cinema. She had won the National Award for her stellar performance in the film. I still remember that day when I had congratulated her and she had responded to me by saying that ‘Milind it was your intensity which helped me portray my role perfectly’.
What does 2022 have in store for Milind Gunaji?
Yes, I am looking forward to ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’ starring Karthik Aryan and Kiara Advani which is directed by Anis Bazmis, ‘Hit’ starring Rajkumar Rao and Sanya Malhotra, and ‘Bhima Koregoa’ starring Arjun Rampal and Sunny Leone.
