Cutting Edge

The film uses crime as backdrop and I portay the role of a bootlegger in the film. What surprised me was that I was not given a chance to prepare for the film at all.

Will Shor be a complete image makeover for you?
The film uses crime as backdrop and I portay the role of a bootlegger in the film. What surprised me was that I was not given a chance to prepare for the film at all. I had just returned from the schedule of Sagar Bellarys film and the next day I was asked to give my first shot for Shor. Since it is a dark character,I had to prepare well for it. But directors Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK gave me just one day off to cut my hair really short for the film.

Is it reminiscent of your character in Khakee or Shootout at Lokhandwala?
Although crime is at the centre of all three characters,my role is Shor is very different from the other two. This movie is a dark,edgy thriller,and my character is a lot more serious.

Your list of upcoming films looks interesting with different genres.
My next release is the comedy Run Bhola Run. Shor releases in September and Golmaal 3,in November. I also have Sagar Bellarys next to complete and then I begin work on Rajshri Productions Love You Mr Kalakaar,which is a romantic film.

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After playing similar roles in Golmaal and Golmaal Returns,isnt the role in Golmaal 3 a bit redundant?
This time around the character is a bit more evolved. Although the character is dumb as in the earlier two,there are many more shades to him. In the first two films,everyone empathised with the character and thought he was cute. In this one he is a bit more of a brat and in most parts you would hate to love him.

But with so many comedies,there is always a risk of getting typecast.
I dont mind being stereotyped. I love being associated with comedy but I do other stuff too to prove my versatility. With Love You Mr Kalakaar,I will be going back to the romantic genre. It is similar to Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai. And Shor is a genre that I havent explored earlier.

You are also looking very fit. Have you been working hard on that?
I have been working hard for the last three to four years. When I joined the industry,I used to workout too but now I follow it like religion. I work out for an hour every day,even when I am shooting outdoors,which surprises my friends. I know my body better now.

But was there a defining moment that made you make these changes in your lifestyle?
Initially,I did not have the guidance. I did not realise the importance of fitness or PR machinery nor did I know how to give interviews. I was happy when my first film released and went on to become a hit. But when the subsequent films did not do well,I realised I was not doing something right. Khakee onwards I started preparing myself for each role. I also realised that hits and flops matter for survival in the industry.

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How much of a guiding force are your parents and sister?
I believe in learning from my own mistakes. I dont really take their advice before signing a movie. To each his own.

Are you at liberty to reject a film from your home production and vice versa?
I dont get offered all films made by Balaji. But I am happy that Ive acted in most of their their hits.

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