Talktime | Samir Soni
The actor who made his film debut with China Gate, speaks with Shalini Saksena about his role in Puncch Beat 2 and the challenges that came with playing the role among other things
How did you come on board for Puncch Beat 2?
I was approached by Vikas Gupta who had produced Season 1. He was a bit hesitant when he called because I had never played a father to a grown up son before. I play Priyank (Sharma’s) father and is evil as evil can be in Season 1. So, he (Gupta) was not sure whether I would agree to the role. He hesitantly, said: ‘Sir, I know you haven’t done this before but I would love it if you do it’. When he gave me the narration I thought yes, I have never done anything like this before and would love to do it. Both of us were happy and this led to Season 2. I guess between Ekta (Kapoor) and Gupta, they must have pushed for me and I was part of the project.
Was it tough to play Rajbir Choudhary?
Initially it was a bit of a challenge because I don’t approve of what he does or why he does it. And there isn’t any justification for his behaviour. One kind of wondered how does one should justify the character; this was a challenge for me. But once I realised that I didn’t have to justify his actions, this is who he is, I didn’t have to use my moral inclination to explain his behaviour. It was tough to make this switch, but it happened and things fell into place. then there was physicality of things, there is a boxing match for which I had to be reasonably fit; this was a bit demanding. He is an ex-boxer and had to look like he can box.
What made you say yes to the project?
It was a role that I had never played before. My character is unapologetically evil, that is what Rajbir Choudhary is, at least this was how he was in Season 1. In the second season, there is a bit of a change but his social manners and skills are not the best in the world. It was liberating for me to play a role that is totally different from what I am; I have always played the good guy, a good father or a good son with a few exceptions where I played a gay character or bad guy. But Rajbir is totally different; there is a part of you that may make you admire him, but the things he does are so hateful that one can’t like him. This gave me the motivation to play this role in such a way that you would love to hate him. I have worked with AlT Balaji before; the team is great. Also, the sense of power that Rajbir exudes made up take up the role.
Is your character really villainous or is there a twist down the line?
There is a hint of a twist down the line. But how far this will go, one will have to watch the show. He definitely has a graph; he is who he is but yes there is a little hint of him going through a change. But will he, won’t he, how much does he change that only time will tell. In the meantime, it has been absolutely amazing to play this mean and hateful person. I love every bit of it.
What is the most important lesson that a father must teach his kids?
The biggest lesson, and I am a father myself, is to inculcate a relationship with your child — that of friendship. So that they can confide in you; they should not be afraid to come to you in case they face a problem. They should be able to see you as a friend. If the communication is broken then that relationship is in trouble and children will start keeping things from you. The lesson that I teach my daughter is that don’t do anything to anyone that you would not want them to do to you. Don’t pressure them; let them have a personality of their own. Teach them right from wrong.
In today’s time, how important is it to have Rajbir’s mantra — to win at all cost?
At a personal level, I don’t think it is important at all — that one must win — however one defines that winning. Winning at any cost is not what I would subscribe to; I think being the best version of yourself is important. Winning and losing is not important since it is not in your hands.
How did acting happen?
I was eight and an introvert. We had a theatre programme in school and had one of the best teachers Barry John — who was incharge. I signed up for it and when I did my first workshop I felt I was home and realised I could express Samir Soni through the character I was playing. It was liberating. Then there was no looking back. I knew I wanted to an actor; not necessarily be a film actor. I finished my academics, worked for sometime, left it all and took up acting professionally.