‘The Script is the Hero’

During the film’s release,I did not think of the kind of response it would get,but I knew the impact it would have on the audience. For years,we have been doing the play Kanji Viruddh Kanji in Gujarati,Marathi and Hindi,where we have seen people’s lives being transformed after watching the play. So we knew it would do the same on the big screen. But the response has been overwhelming. People have watched it three to four times. One person told me,‘Yeh picture dekhne laayak nahin,jeene laayak hai’ (The film is not worth seeing,it is worth living).

When did you decide to adapt the play into a film?

Umesh (Shukla,director) and I have been friends for over 20 years. We have worked together on the stage and we realised that the play should reach a wider audience. In order to make it into a film,I decided to produce it while Umesh was keen on directing it. During one of my meetings with Akshay (Kumar),I mentioned the story to him. He was so impressed,he decided to co-produce it.

Do you believe in god?

I do believe in god but I do not believe in idol worship. If I visit a temple,I would offer Rs 10 to the beggar standing outside,rather than make an offering inside. I believe that religion today is subject to fear. We worship god because we fear him. We should be god-loving,not god-fearing.

Have religious groups protested against the movie?

No. In fact,they have called and said that they agree with most of the things we say in the movie. At the end of the day,all this is true. We are just too scared to accept it because we believe if we go against idol worship,wrong things will happen to us.

Have you planned a sequel?

Umesh,Akshay and I have been talking about the sequel after we saw the response. But writing a script as good as the first one will be the most challenging part.

Are you disappointed that Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal which released on the same day flopped?

It happens. That’s what this industry is all about. One must understand the basic rule that when a film doesn’t do well,it is the script that has failed. Actors are just symbols,the script is the real hero. While Oh My God! was liked by all because of its strong content,Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal failed because the script wasn’t good.

Have you done films for friends?

I have done films for friends knowing deep down that they would not work. But if a friend feels that my presence can boost the film’s chances,I will do it.

How did you first hone your talent?

I knew I wanted to be an actor from my school days. I loved taking part in drama competitions in school and in my neighbourhood. In class,I loved making people laugh. I was never formally trained to be an actor,but I was very observant. My defining period as an actor started in theatre with Ketan Mehta. We used to rehearse for 12 to 14 hours at a stretch and I loved every bit of it.

Do you believe theatre has prepared you for your film career?

Everything I am today,I owe it to my theatre background. Theatre made me a confident actor and helped me add method to my acting. It also made me spontaneous. I consider theatre to be my lifeline and the only place which gives me scope for experimentation. Films are of secondary importance.

Will you continue to do theatre?

Of course. It is a part of me now,which I cannot seperate. Even right now,I am doing two plays — Dear Father in Gujarati and Kishen vs Kanhaiya in Hindi.

Your biggest strength as an actor?

I merge into a character which translates well on screen. One cannot articulate emotions,one has to show them through expressions,which I feel I excel at.

What are your limitations?

Every actor is limited. I feel I lack a bit of concentration at times.

As a producer,are you adapting more plays into films or making more content-driven films?

Yes,I am. With new writers and new directors,cinema is changing in India. Oh My God! is a turning point in my life. It has given my career a new lease.