The incurable romantic

Q. 2 So, what is it that makes Hasee… different from other romcoms?

It’s Vinil Mathew’s take on love, where he’s trying to show that love does not always happen between two correct people or two inspiring people. He doesn’t portray us as the quintessential hero-heroine in the film. In fact, he’s tried to show that love can also blossom between two slightly odd people. For instance, my character is not a typical larger-than-life hero, and the novelty lies in that, as it is set in the backdrop of middle-class Mumbai. It is something that many would relate to.

Q. 3 What is your definition of a quintessential romcom hero?

As a teenager I lived in Delhi, and Shah Rukh Khan was a huge influence among the Delhi boys. Everyone loved him and his movies. Apart from those out-and-out romantic hero films of his, I’ve also been a huge fan of his films like Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, where he didn’t play a typical hero. So, when I read the script of Hasee Toh Phasee, I found some similarities of that character, Sunil in the one I play in Hasee… I thought it would be
interesting if I could pull that off.

Q. 4 Student of the Year was a larger than life romcom, while Hasee… is set on a more real and small scale. What kind of a romcom do you prefer?

I prefer both actually, as I’ve done very little work, and hence there’s less possibility of repeating myself. I think to be able to say that, ‘I won’t do this film’, comes after years of experience, when you’ve done a particular kind of work already. As a newcomer, we can’t say no to any kind of work. Besides, romcoms form such a huge genre in Hindi cinema.

Q. 5 There’s this assumption that romcoms are usually the easiest to pull off. Do you feel the same?

Some amount of preparation is needed for any kind of film, because it’s important that you get simple traits of a character right. Every film comes with its share of challenges.

Q. 6 So, did you have to prepare for this romcom?

One of the reasons I chose the script of Hasee Toh Phasee is because it was quirky. I play this ‘bechara’ boy which is far from the confident, focussed guy I played in SOTY. Besides, doing this film made me realise I was so pampered in SOTY.

Q. 7 The romcoms that you choose to do as an actor, are they influenced from the kind you’ve watched as an audience all these years?

When I was growing up, my impression of films, especially romcoms came from what my mother chose to play for me on the VCR. That being said, I only saw all the commercial films. But I would definitely love to do films which I would like to watch as an audience.

Q. 8 Which are your all-time favourite romcoms?

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is a favourite for most of us. I’ve also seen a lot of Yash Chopra films like Lamhe, Chandni, etc which were my favourites. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is again a popular romcom. I was in college when Dil Chahta Hai released, almost ten years ago, and though it was more about friendship, it remains one of my favourite films. Jab We Met is one love story that I liked watching in recent times.

Q. 9 What’s common to you and the character you play in the romcom?

I’m very emotional and my friends can vouch for that. More so, because I don’t have my family in Mumbai. I’m very possessive about my friends and sentimental too, just like the hero in Hasee…

Q. 10 Does being emotional help you as an actor, especially while doing romcoms?

I think to be an actor, you need to feel things in real life. If you’re too detached, then it’s tough to emote those on camera. But with SOTY, I realised I was too sensitive to what people are saying or thinking about me. I am now trying to master the art to not get affected by anything around me.