On a TRIAL

After doing serious films like Lamhaa and Knock Out,are you thrilled about your upcoming comedy?
Yes,I am all excited about No Problem. The movie is about two childhood friends,Yash Ambani,played by me,and Raj Ambani,played by Akshaye Khanna,who are small-time crooks. The movie takes us through their misadventures in life. Though Raj wants to do something different in life,it’s Yash who gets him into crime in one way or the other. But the story gets a kick with the entry of Zandulal,played by Paresh Rawal.

Kidnap and Knock Out didn’t do well at the box-office. How important is the success of No Problem for you?
See,people like Ajay Devgn and I don’t worry about success or failure. Despite a film’s success or failure,we always stay grounded.

Is it true that you are playing the role of Danny Denzongpa in the remake of Agneepath? How did you prepare for the role of Kancha Cheena? What kind of improvisation have you incorporated?
Firstly,I do not study or work on a particular role. I didn’t go through the DVD to improvise on my role. I want to keep it original though there may be some changes or freshness added from my side to the role.

You are also producing the remake of Satte Pe Satta.
Yes,and I am playing the role of Amitabh Bachchan in it. It is a challenge and I hope to do justice to the character. But for now,it’s too early to talk about the film as the cast and the leading lady are yet to be finalised.

You have become a father again. How do you feel?
I am enjoying fatherhood. My daughter Trishala grew up in the United States. I wasn’t with her during her growing-up days. Shahraan and Iqra,my twins, make me feel lucky and I am leaving no stone unturned to be with them and experiencing the joy of fatherhood. I am also trying to be a good father. I take care of one child while Maanyata takes care of the other. It’s been 15 days and I haven’t had a proper night’s sleep. The kids wake up at night,cry and make noise. I change their diapers too. During the shoots in Mumbai,I make it a point to take a break,visit home and see them. My next shooting schedule is in Bangkok and I don’t know how I will stay away from them.

Are your kids the reason that you have mellowed down and become patient?
Actually,it was the jail term that I served,that has made me patient. I hope this court case issue gets over as soon as possible. But,I was always patient and polite. I am a shy and reserved person.

Your daughter Trishala is growing up. Is she venturing into movies too?
Well,she has lost weight and is looking great. But I don’t want her to get into movies. I mean,the industry is the best in which to work. But no girl from my family gets into films. This is the tradition of the family as well as my dad’s wish. Trishala has studied criminal law and forensic science from the best college in the US. She has also topped in her studies,so why waste her skills? But now she wants to get into fashion. I am happy with it.

What are you currently shooting for?
Currently,I am shooting for my home production Rascals. A comedy,it is being directed by David Dhawan and has Ajay Devgn,Arjun Rampal and Kangna Ranaut in the lead. I too play one of the leads.

I am also doing Ram Gopal Varma’s Department that has Abhishek Bachchan too. Rajkumar Santoshi’s Power is another multi-starrer. This action film has Amitabh Bachchan,Anil Kapoor and Ajay Devgn as well. The shooting of the movie is slated to commence from January.

What is the scene on the political front?
I am happy with what I am doing currently,I just want to stay away from politics. The recent Amar Singh episode was very disturbing. I am hoping to get out of it.

onkar.kulkarni@expressindia.com