Tell us something about ‘Dhahanam’. How did you come on board for the series?
When I was briefed about my character for the first time, I was very impressed. The character had a strong screen presence and I felt it was challenging at the same time. I knew instantly that I would love to play this character on screen. I gave it my 100 percent.
You have worked with Ram Gopal Varma in the past. How would you describe him as a filmmaker?
Yes, I have worked with RGV sir before. The thing that makes him stand apart from others is his cinema. His process and the way he takes the shots on the sets make him unique. He is very far-sighted and it shows in the kind of films he makes. I was amused by how smoothly he takes a shot when I first worked with him.
What attracted you to your character in ‘Dhahanum‘?
The character that I am playing is a very strong character. I have never been attracted to a character because of its length or screen time. The one thing that usually attracts me to any character is its impact. I want the audience to remember my character when they are walking out of the cinema halls.
How difficult is it to portray a negative role as compared to a positive one on screen?
On the contrary, I feel it is easier to portray a negative character than a positive one. According to me, it is easier to make someone angry or hate you for something than to make someone fall in love with you. So comparatively, I feel negative roles are not difficult. Having said that, I feel every role comes with its own challenges and has its own importance and place in the film. All we actors do is give our all to the character we portray.
The challenge that I faced in this movie is that my character smoked and drank alcohol which I do not do in real life so I had to learn those mannerisms. Rest all was any other character. Once you get into the skin of the character, everything else becomes easy.
The face of villains in Bollywood cinema has changed over the years. Your thoughts…
There have been a lot of changes in a lot of things over the years. And I feel it all depends upon the character that you are playing and what vision the director has for your character. And you are right when you say the look of villainous characters has changed a lot. Villains nowadays are smart and good-looking. It is no longer about being cruel and violent. But again it will depend on the demand of the story.
Who do you think is the most iconic villain in the history of Indian cinema?
We have had many iconic villains in the history of Indian cinema. Naming only one of them would be unfair and difficult. But if I have to name one then the name on the top of my mind is the late Amrish Puri sir. I was a huge fan of him and his voice. He was an evergreen actor. He did justice to all the characters he has played on screen in his career.
You have worked with ace actors like Akshaye Khanna, Salman Khan, Vidyut Jammwal, and others. Who has been a delight to work with so far?
There is nobody who doesn’t love Salman Khan. I have always been a huge fan of Bhai and I had a ball working with him. It was a dream-come-true moment for me. Akshaye sir was so smooth and light with his acting. He is very natural and immensely talented. With Vidyut, I, unfortunately, had no scenes. I hope I get to work with him sometime again in future.
You have been a part of some very big films and web series. How do you look back at your journey so far?
Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me in my journey so far. I was very fortunate to have gotten an opportunity to work with such big directors and actors. I have learnt a lot of things. I don’t come from a film family but I was very passionate about acting. Although I have had my share of struggles, I am glad that I kept going and never let my confidence down. This is just the beginning. I hope I keep on moving ahead in my career with the same vigour.
Name one film or series you watched recently that you absolutely loved…
I recently finished watching ‘Gullak’ and it is something we can all relate to at some point. It is a very beautifully shot series. I also loved Bobby Deol’s ‘Aashram’ on MX Player.
Do you have anyone from the Bollywood industry you look up to?
The one person whom I look up to in the industry is Dharmendra sir. I attached to him since my childhood days. I have grown up watching his films and movies of his sons – Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. I adore his entire family. I have laughed and cried with them while watching them on screen. I got inspired to be an actor because of him.
I still remember the first time I met Dharmendra sir. He took my hands in his and said, ‘God bless you beta’. I still remember I froze there in front of him. He is the best and he will always remain my idol.
