Getting real

The writer-actor is on a high especially since its just his second film as a lead after Anurag Kashyaps Gulal. He had not only co-written the film but also played the role of Dileep,a timid character who is bullied by others. Dileep was a difficult character to portray because he had no confidence in himself. He was a lallu and I had to change my body language accordingly, informs Raj,a former model.

One would have thought this good-looking guy would be snapped by the big filmmakers after his impressive debut. But Raj is not interested in pure commercial entertainers. I would rather do a blend of commercial and realistic films like Rang De Basanti,Life In A8230; Metro,where I get a second or third good lead a la Sharman Joshi, says the actor.

That explains his choice of films like Antardwand directed by a newcomer Sushil Rajpal. Sushil,who is a friend of Imtiaz Ali,was looking for someone to play Raghus role when the latter recommended Raj. The script and the subject impressed me a lot. The way the story was structured was very good and the subject of a groom being kidnapped had a curiousity factor. The whole story was intriguing,which is why I took up the film, explains Raj.

Incidentally,another actor,a television star was pencilled in for the role,but he started throwing tantrums just before the unit was to leave for the shoot. He wanted a vanity van,which could not be accommodated in the small town and other things like costumes,make-up etc,which is why he was replaced, says Raj,who joined the film just two days before the shoot. The movie was shot within a month in Kanti in Muzaffarpur district.

Antardwand is inspired from a true story 8211; director Sushils friend faced a similar situation 8211; and is set in the 80s where the practice of kidnapping grooms was more prevalent. In fact,even till last year there were 1,300 registered cases,informs Raj. To imbibe the feelings and emotions that a guy goes through in such a situation,Raj met Rajpals friend who had undergone this trauma. I cannot name him because it has become a legal case, he informs.

But Raj ended up breaking his hand on the fourth day of the shoot. It was when I was enacting a scene, he says nonchalantly. His fractured hand had to be bandaged. As it would affect the films continuity,he removed his hand from the crepe bandage everytime he had to shoot. Quiz him if thats the reason for his natural performance in the movie and he gives a sly smile.

Things seem to be going well for the model-turned-actor as he has also been signed by Anurag Kashyap for two films which will go on the floors next year. I cannot divulge any details now, says the actor.

Incidentally,Raj had assisted Anurag and even done a small role in Black Friday. He had written a short story too,which later formed the premise for No Smoking. I have learnt a lot from Anurag, says Raj,who has also recently completed shooting for a film Karmaya made by London-based filmmaker Amit Paul,son of Lord Swaraj Paul. The film has an ensemble cast comprising Abhay Deol,Arjun Rampal,Irrfan Khan and Soha Ali Khan. Raj plays a London-based guy who returns to India because his wife Soha wants to,but is unhappy because he is unable to get a job.

Raj is also writing a script,which is a thriller set in a countryside. And after the praise showered on him by critics and filmmakers alike for Antardwand,the actor is hoping to get into the big league. This is the right time. The industry is back on track and good films are being made, he signs off.

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