Raajneeti: ‘A typical Prakash Jha film’

It is exciting because people often approach me saying that they have seen Gangaajal not 10-12 times but 50 times or so. And if they’ve liked Apaharan and Gangaajal,they will like Raajneeti too—it is a typical Prakash Jha film which is hard-hitting yet entertaining. He has the knack of telling a real story without making it a docu-drama.

So do you find yourself blindly agreeing to do a film that Jha offers to you?

It is almost so. When he approached me for Raajneeti,he only had the idea and the characters. He told that my character is based on the Mahabharat’s Karan. I told him that I like the idea but given that it requires an ensemble cast,I also asked him if he really thought I should do the film. Once he said he was sure I should,I didn’t even look at the script till much later. We have done three films together and been friends for over a decade. I know he will never make a stupid film and we share a comfort level where we can trust each other.

Though you are doing his next,Aarakshan,would you feel a pang of disappointment if he didn’t offer you a role in his film?

Not at all. Not every film he makes will have a role that suits me. There have been such occasions in the past and we have sat down to discuss who can be cast in his film. Some friendships go beyond work.

Your character in Raajneeti has grey shades.

The movie is based on politics——every character in the film has grey shades because everyone is selfish. It is a power game and in a power game,you cannot always be right even if your intentions are good. My character,however,is based on that of Karan. He was wronged in life but fought from the wrong side knowing well that he will lose in the process.

The movie brought together a cast so varied. Can you talk about how it was on the sets?

It was interesting to see people as experienced and senior as Naseeruddin Shah and Nana Patekar to talented actors like Manoj Bajpai,and Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif from the younger lot come together. Most of my scenes were with Manoj. Nana and I share a great rapport where we both know we can say anything to each other. But Ranbir is a very talented boy and Katrina is extremely hard-working.

Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai will attract a lot of attention—also from the underworld maybe. Did you consider that while shooting?

Not at all. The movie does recreate the Bombay of 1970s. The story is based on the underworld and has subtle,dark humour. But it is 30 per cent facts and 70 per cent fiction. Apart from that,what is true is true and known to all,so why worry?

You have at least four releases this year.

I didn’t plan for it to be this way,but this year I have releases from all the genres. Raajneeti is a political thriller. Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai is a crime drama. Then comes Aakrosh,which will see me return as an action hero after long. Golmaal 3 is a Diwali release and crazier than Golmaal Returns.