Jackky Bhagnani’s Youngistaan is about a progressive politician who has potential to reform the system. He chatted with Karan Bhardwaj
For Jackky Bhagnani, each film is like a litmus test. The actor, who appeared in films like Faltu and Rangrezz, says his biggest challenge is to separate his identity from his producer father Vashu Bhagnani. “People have their own ideas about me. Even after hit films, big filmmakers didn’t approach me. May be because I am a producer’s son and they have a certain notion about it. But I am trying to break those,” says the actor who is gearing up for Youngistaan’s release. He plays role of a young politician who has fresh ideas and is determined to bring a change. What sets Youngistaan apart from other political sagas is its story. “I play the Prime Minister who is in a live-in relationship. It is a love story with politics as a background. The PM focusses on a lot of reforms that young people of this country are also demanding. The film, in its approach, is modern, progressive and relatable,” he says.
The ‘cool’ idea came during a casual chat between Jackky and director Syed Ahmad Afzal. “I think it is the flavour of the season. Everybody is involved with politics in our country. In the name of change, India has seen a lot of ups and downs in last three years. However, people behave as opportunists and don’t deliver the promises they claim as ‘change’. We lack a good leader, who can take decisions on his own after consulting his team of experts. What appears to be at the moment is messy which all of us are fed up of. There is absolutely no reform. Why don’t we think of e-pollingIJ Why don’t we think of innovative ideas to engage urban and rural massesIJ,” he says. For his role, Jackky has not consulted any politician but he says the character has a mix of good traits of several leaders.
“We are looking at positive things. I am inspired by leaders like Rajiv Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Mahatama Gandhi to name a few, who have contributed to change in our nation. However, the film doesn’t seek inspiration from one individual since all the present politicians are old-school and lack bright ideas. They are not progressing,” he says.
Before Youngistaan, the actor was apolitical. But now he is an informed individual. “We belong to privileged sections. But while shooting in rural areas, where we interacted with villagers, we understood their plight. There are areas sans basic amenities like roads and electricity. It is rightly said that India is full of contradictions. It’s not that easy to govern. Every kilometer, there is change in ideals, beliefs and requirements. Hats off to those who keep masses happy,” he says.