Gang lord

Agrees filmmaker Rensil D’Silva,who describes him as the most malleable actor. “Vivek is underrated when it comes to his acting abilities. His touching performance as Chandu from Company and Riaz in Kurbaan has shown that he is capable of a huge range,and it’s for us filmmakers to see that he is not typecast in only violent aggressive parts,” says D’Silva.

It’s probably this conviction of his directors that gives Vivek confidence,and work,as his plate is full with assorted choices. There’s the gritty Zilla Ghaziabad and the super action Krrish 2 (definitely a film to look forward to) and a romantic film that will soon be announced. “It’s the best phase of my career,” smiles Vivek.

Excerpts from the interview:

What is the most challenging part of playing a character based on Satbir Gujjar,the dreaded gangster of UP,in Zilla Ghaziabad?

When I was doing Shootout At Lokhandwala,it was about getting the physicality right,and for a film like Prince,it was getting the action sequences right. But in Zilla..,the major challenge is getting into the mindset of the character. Though I did some research by speaking to Satbir’s jail inmates,it’s more about understanding the mental space of a young guy who despite being educated didn’t join the urban migration from Ghaziabad to Delhi or Punjab. He was called Masterji and wanted to bring about a change in his town through education. But then certain elements drove him to a point where he had to drop the pen and pick up the sword and turn gangster. The film,however,is not a biopic though it is inspired from some real-life incidents.

Once again your role is that of a gangster, a character that you have mastered.

Well,here the challenge is more because he starts off as an innocent,shy guy who is pushed to the brink because of the circumstances,and decides to clean up the mess. Playing an intelligent guy who has chosen the path of violence is a heady mix and definitely more challenging than playing an out-and-out aggressive person.

Is that what attracted you to the film?

That,and the fact that it was the first time that I would be working with so many established actors. There are Sanjay Dutt,Paresh Rawal,Arshad Warsi,Ashutosh Rana and Zarina Wahab who plays my mother in the film. Paresh gives a new dimension to everything that he does and Arshad is a real cool guy. He plays my nemesis in the film but his one-liners have us all cracking up. Director Anand Kumar,who is making his debut,is very lucky as he gets a lot of support from all the actors.

What about Krrish 2? Is it true that your character is a little like Patrick Stewart’s Professor Charlie,and you are confined to a wheelchair for a major part of the film?

A lot of stories are floating in the media about my character and the film,but I have been asked not to talk about it as that would dilute the curiosity. I’d rather let the audience go into the theatres and experience my look and characterisation.

What excites you the most about the film?

The fact is that Krrish is already an established character,whereas my character,who is Krrish’s nemesis,is the new addition. It’s a new challenge and I am really excited. Also I had to learn to fly a ’plane for the part. It was a fabulous experience as I have been interested in flying for a long time. In fact when I get a break,I hope to put in more flying time and getting my pilot’s license.

You will also be working with Rakesh Roshan for the first time.

With all due respect to Hrithik as an actor,I think Rakesh Roshan has the magic touch. But what amazed me was that despite having a 100 per cent track record of giving hit films, he’s so humble. When I was having a conversation with him he was keen to get my opinion on the characters in the film,which I found very touching. This is how talent should be,without ego.

What’s happening to your film Paki to be directed by Mani Ratnam’s assistant Shiva?

Paki’s a seasonal film and has to be shot at the right time,that’s during the summer months of May and June in the UK. So if it doesn’t get made during this time it gets pushed to next year.

What are you playing in that?

It’s a very contemporary film about a different kind of survivor. He is a guy who lives in the UK and grows up on a diet of Hindi films of the ’80s.

Which other films do you have?

I am a bit superstitious talking about my projects and prefer to leave it to the producers to make the announcements. But I have signed two films (one is a love story),and another is being finalised. It’s a great time for me!

geety.sahgal@expressindia.com