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Journalism of Courage
Abhay Deol on his song-n-dance number in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and more.
Formula roles dont excite you,so how differently will you present yourself in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara?
According to you what is the most essential aspect of an actor?
His individuality! But it has been killed by the modern-day conception of what an actor should be like. Today the moment a person wants to enter the industry,the first thing he wants to do is build up his body,learn horse riding,dancing and so on. It would make more sense if an aspiring actor did theater,a course in acting and observed people.
Are you more open to mainstream cinema today?
I have nothing against mainstream cinema. I started with Socha Na Tha which was mainstream,and later did an off-the-grain film like Manorama-Six Feet Under.
What I cannot comprehend is films which are neither here nor there,you know which forcibly add formula in a non-formula subject. ZNMD is a rare balance of good cinema,where we play heroes but are not larger than life.
How did you agree to dance and sing in the film?
I wont deny that I was nervous to dance,but then it was a fun number and I found myself enjoying it. And I liked the idea of singing Senorita,even though it was something I had never done before. In fact,I thought I would rehearse for the number but Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy recorded what I thought was a rehearsal. However,I believe it has turned out well.
Is Zoya Akhtar a hard taskmaster as a director?
Not at all! Shes very cool and clear about what she wants from her actors. She,along with Farhan Akhtar,made sure that there was a lot of fun on the sets. I also admire Farhan for being an all- rounder,you know he can play the guitar,he can direct,produce and he even acts in films.
Just as in ZNMD,where you go on a road trip with Hrithik Roshan and Farhan,do you bond a lot with your male friends?
Actually,I have both male and female friends. I love travelling but Ive never gone on a road journey because all my friends are older and married with kids.
So the shooting must have been a lot of fun?
Yes,but it was also a lot of hard work. We spent long hours on the road and in cars,and whenever we got a break,we we would rush off to eat somewhere.
You are working with Dibakar Banerjee for the second time after the National Award-winning Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!. How was the experience?
I have worked with six debutant directors but now I am glad to get the chance to repeat directors like Dibakar and Navdeep Singh. I want that security of filmmakers wanting to work with me again.
How has Dibakar handled Shanghai which is a complete contrast to Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!?
Thats Dibakars versatility. Hes turned this dark comedy,which is based on a true story that happened in another era and country,and made it relevant to the current situation in India. Its not controversial and not based on any particular person,but it serves as a mirror because it reflects what you see in todays news.
How is an eco-friendly house,which you are building in Goa,different from regular houses?
Like other houses,eco-friendly houses are also built with stones and bricks but all the material is local. Nothing is imported so as to cut on the energy consumed in transporting the material. Rainwater harvesting is also done in these houses,and solar and wind energy is used to cut down on the electricity consumption.
