Talktime | Jackky Bhagnani
Star kid Jackky Bhagnani, who gave a remarkable performance in Youngistaan, is all set for his upcoming situational comedy Welcome 2 Karachi opposite Arshad Warsi and lauren Gottlieb. He talks to Sangeeta Yadav about replacing Irrfan at the last moment, playing a Gujarati and the challenges that came his way
How was shooting for Welcome 2 Karachi likeIJ
It was an outstanding experience and a roller coaster ride to shoot for Welcome 2 Karachi. The storyline is about two Indians landing up in Karachi without a passport and what happens to them in that unknown city. It is an interesting plot. It’s a fun film with a lot of witty puns, which we thing viewers will enjoy to the core. I am very happy with the way the film has shaped up. If someone decides to make this into a novel, I can assure you, it will be the best seller for that year!
You replaced Irrfan at the very last moment in this movie. How did it happenIJ
Yes, I was not a part of the original script. But when Irrfan backed out due to some date issues, I had to step up for my father Vashu Bhagnani, producer of this film. It was a crisis situation for everyone at the sets of Welcome 2 Karachi. It was a sinking ship. In that short duration, I had no other option but to step ahead for help. My father has supported me all the time, right from preparing for my debut in Bollywood to launching me. Whenever I felt lost, I used to seek guidance from him. Though my films didn’t work, my father has always believed in me. Now when he was in need, why would I not be there for himIJ
How was it to work with Arshad Warsi & othersIJ
Honestly, it was very difficult to keep up with Arshad Warsi’s comic timings as he is a veteran. But Arshad was very helpful. He helped me out whenever I would get stuck with lines or expressions. We had an amazing time at the sets. My co-stars lauren Gottlieb, Ayub Khoso, Imran Hasnee and director Ashish R Mohan were good people. We did not party hard, but we stuck like a team.
Was it difficult to play Kedar Patel in this movieIJ
It was a challenge. There were problems galore starting from my Gujarati accent which was nowhere close to what it should have been. I had to pick up the dialect and ascent within a day and the only research available for me were YouTube videos of Devarshi (a Roadies Season 6 contestant). He was the funniest Gujarati I have ever come across. Thanks to him, I picked up the language and accent within no time. I think, he will be proud of me.
What about the songsIJ
There are four songs and all of them have been beautifully composed by Jeet Ganguly, Rochak Kohli, RDB (Rhythm Dhol Bass) and Amjad-Nadeem. The numbers are hilarious yet apt to the situation. There is a good mix of folk plus hip hop in the album. The Gujarati song titled Kaim chhe, paapi chhe, daaru phir bhi baaki chhe tolalla lalla lori daru ki katori are chart-toppers. The lauren starrer Shakira dance number is also creating quite a buzz.