Westward ho

Did you agree to do the project immediately?
I read the script which was excellent,looked at the production and cast which included names like Michael Shane,James Ordonez and Val Kilmer,and after speaking to Ordonez,the decision to be a part of such a fantastic project was easy.

How did you like the idea of playing a foreigner?
I prefer not to think about it in that context,as it will then be difficult for me to work on my character. I would like to draw on my experience of having travelled frequently to the US and Europe,and my observation of the people there — the way in which they express themselves,are thoughtful of the other’s space,and other characteristics that makes their culture so distinct. So,instead of thinking I am playing a foreigner,which actually ends up creating a mind-block,I prefer to think as if I just belong to a different culture so that my mindset and thought process begins to mimic the individuals of that culture.

Excited about working with Val Kilmer?
I’m honoured; The Saint is my all time favourite. I never expected that there would come a day when I would actually be in the same movie with him.

How did you feel when the producer Michael Shane compared you to Paul Newman?
I cannot describe the feeling. I felt acknowledged and at the same time I know that Newman is a legend no one can come close to. In all humility,it means that I have a yardstick that I’m not sure I can fully measure up to.

When do you start shooting for the film?
The film is slated to begin sometime in the last quarter of this year.

Were you surprised when your action film Hijack did not do well?
Just because Hijack did not work,it does not necessarily mean that I’m unable to deliver an action-adventure flick. I broke all my rules in selecting a film when I did Hijack. But once I saw the preview,I told Kunal (Shivdasani,director) it would be a miracle if this film worked. So,no,I was not surprised,just prepared.