Moonlighting

Thats right. I am glad that the film is made by an established director. I have worked a lot with first-timers and this time I was working with a commercially well-placed director. He was appreciated for his last outing Yamla Pagla Deewana YPD and I was looking forward to working with him. He is one of my favourite directors.

What did you like about Sameer Karniks style of working?

I have liked the kind of films that he has made. With YPD,he raised his bar. He believes in presenting the hero like a hero and not as a comedian. You will understand what I mean if you have watched YPD. He makes a North Indian look impressive.

He made you play a Sardar in the film. How was it sporting a turban?

Initially,I was very apprehensive about playing a Sardar. Puppy Sardar is a typical Punjabi,a loud and shameless character,a very sharaarati aur jo gaali-galoch karta hai. Samir insisted on it. I had to take the help of Suraj Vyas from Anupam Khers school to brush up my skills as a Punjabi. He helped me with the body language and clothes and to think like a Sardar. The character is irritating and you will love to hate him.

Are you in a double role?

You have to watch the film for that.

What do you have to say about your co-star Kulraj Randhawa?

Kulraj suited the character in the film and it was fun to work with her. Being a relative newcomer,she has done a swell job in the film. She is very sporting and a talkative girl. I must tell you that since she is a Sikhni,she was very particular about my character as a Sardar,like how I wore the turban and the broach. My look,walk and style were all scrutinised. She was helpful about that.

You are also reprising your father Jeetendras act by sporting white clothes and shoes and dancing to a Rishi Kapoor song.

It was fun to do a retro song. Dancing to dads steps was a challenge. Dad and Chintu uncle have worked together in many films and to imitate them was good fun. To wear white was Samirs idea. Remember,he made even Dharmendra uncle dance in YPD.

You have even tried your hand at film production with this film. Has it inspired you to turn a producer since you have a strong family support?

I am not a full-fledged producer,but since I have invested in the film,I am entitled to a certain share in the profit. Call me a shareholder. I took up this decision after I saw the film. It is a commercial entertainer and I hope it makes a profit for my sake. laughs

As for becoming a full-time producer,I have not decided yet. I have been misquoted many a times that Ekta and I have problems. We both work independently but we are very close. We believe in keeping our personal and professional lives separate. Some day we may tie up and make films. As of now,she has a very good team at Balaji.

Was it a deliberate decision to release Chaar Din Ki Chandni during Holi?

Like the festival,the film too is very colourful. Families will enjoy it during the holidays. It will surely bring a smile on the faces.

What other projects do you have on hand?

Shootout At Wadala was launched recently. In this film which is based on Mumbais first-ever police encounter,I play Shakeel Muneer. He was Manya Surves the notorious gang leader on whom the film is based partner-in-crime. The two are more like the Munnabhai-Circuit team,inseperable.

Then there is Kyaa Super Kool Hai Hum. This sex comedy,which is 50 percent ready and will release on August 2,is madder then its prequel. I am also doing Bhaiya Superhit,a film directed by Neeraj Pathak. I am yet to start shooting for it.

Your last release The Dirty Picture saw you in a different role. What kind of feedback did you get for it?

Amazing. Though it was a Vidya Balan film all the way,even my work was appreciated and the film is still being talked about. It has already bagged a lot of awards and is still counting. I look forward to more such films.