No Fear

With Help,it’s the first time you are doing a supernatural thriller. How much does horror as a genre interest you?
Horror as a genre wouldn’t be my first pick from a movie library. As a teenager,I would have my eyes and ears shut while watching a horror movie. But then,it is a great genre to watch when with a gang of friends. Earlier,I wasn’t offered a role in a horror film. Now,when I was given the script,I really liked it and decided to do it. Horror keeps you on your toes.

Directors and crew members of previous spooky films have always had outlandish experiences whilst shooting for the same. Did you experience any such things?

I don’t really believe in ghosts,so I wasn’t scared. But when we were shooting for Help in a former French Colony in Mauritius,there were moments of spookiness experienced by crew members. But then,that tends to happen when you are shooting in a dark,dingy room or an empty street,and you are constantly being updated on the story.

But this genre hasn’t quite hit a chord with the Indian audiences. Do you see this as a risk?
You cannot predict what works. Although a horror film has limited audience as compared to other films,people will watch it if it excites them.

Your last few films have been box office failures. Would you blame your choice of movies?
One can’t just blame one’s choice. Sometimes the script undergoes changes. At other times,the production house delays the release. You can’t really point to one thing. There have been instances when big banner films have tanked and smaller films have done brilliantly. But I stand by all the choices I have made.

Next up is Yamla Pagla Deewana with your brother Sunny Deol and father Dharmendra. What was the experience like?
We stay together,so it wasn’t much of a family bonding. But whenever we come together,it is always a blast. I am most comfortable working with family because then I can be myself. Earlier,when we did Apne,I was a little under pressure because it was my first film with dad. But this time around,it was quite a party on the sets.

According to you,who is the best looking of the three Deols?
Of course my dad. He has been one of the best looking men in the industry for a long,long time.

You also have a comedy film in Thank You. With many different genres,are you trying to resurrect your career?
I am always trying my hand at different genres,be it action,thriller or comedy. But I don’t try to control the pace of my career,because how much ever you try,you cannot. Something that works today may not work tomorrow.

Action thrillers have worked well for you in the past. Do you have any lined up?
Maybe later on. Right now,I’m busy with YPD.

You have always admired indie cinema. Don’t you want to try your hand at it?
Definitely. I’m waiting for a good script to come my way.

Curated For You

India vs New Zealand Cricket Score, 1st T20I Highlights: IND defeat NZ by 48 runs, lead series 1-0

‘The warrior spirit’: Army makes an appeal to Punjab’s youth to join Sikh Regiment amid dwindling numbers

Davos 2026 Live Updates: Trump says ‘framework of future deal’ on Greenland reached after dropping tariffs