Mahesh Jadu
Having worked in English serial Maiden and tried his hands with movies like Taj, Hollywood actor Mahesh Jadu is all excited about the release of his much anticipated film I, Frankenstein. He talks to SANGEETA YADAVabout his role, journey so far in Hollywood and aspiration to work with Aamir Khan some day
‘Want to work with Aamir Khan’
Tell us about your upcoming film I, FrankensteinIJ
I, Frankenstein is roughly based on Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein. The story is about Adam Frankenstein played by Aaron Eckhart, who gets involved in a war between a clan of gargoyles and a clan of demons in an ancient city. I play one of the gargoyles who protect humanity from tragedy. My character’s name is Ophir. This is my first action film and I’m very excited to be a part of such a unique film.
How did you prepare for this roleIJ
When I entered the set, I was the leanest person as opposed to all the muscular stars. My character required me to look like a fighter. So I have worked a lot on my body to catch up with others. Apart from the physical training, I read a lot about gargoyles. That helped me build my imagination.
How was your experience working in this filmIJ
Working with Aaron was wonderful. Whatever he does, he gives his 200 per cent. We haven't acted on the same frame but when we were together on the sets, we shared a great bond. He is like a big brother. Also, director Stuart Beattie is an amazing person. He loves storytelling and has great inclination towards creativity and narration.
Any learning experience during the making of this filmIJ
There was a girl in the crew who was working in the art department. I was amazed to see a fabric which she was working on and ensuring the finest detailing of the print to be just perfect. That piece of fabric is used in a scene which is hardly for a few seconds. It has the image of gargoyles fighting with the demons. That such a tiny piece of cloth was put together with such great care was just amazing. That inspired me.
What were the challenges you facedIJ
Keeping up with the pace of everyone else was the biggest challenge. At Hollywood, everything is very quick and if you are not talented and don’t have the potential, you would be left far behind.
How did you land roles in Hollywood moviesIJ
I grew up wanting to be various things. When my parents showed me DVDs of world cinema, that sowed the seeds of acting, writing and directing in me. Not hailing from a movie background and having no godfather to help me in the industry made it extremely difficult for me to even survive. I started off in a puppet show and acted for free in theatre.
Then I got my first TV show — Maiden. That was the beginning of all good things for me. In 2011, my first Australian movie Taj was released. Singularity with Bipasha Basu is also in the pipeline. Now after I, Frankenstein, my friends and I are working on an animation film which will be out next year.
Any Bollywood plansIJ
I would love to work in Bollywood. I want to play a negative role or an anti-hero. I’m working on speaking fluent Hindi as well. My sister, dad and I play and sing Hindi songs on the guitar. I wish to work with Aamir Khan some day.