While Javed Jaffrey is too excited to be a part of a big banner that too as a evil baddie in Besharam, Ronit Roy couldn’t believe his luck when he was asked to play the villain in Boss opposite Khiladi Kumar. These hot properties of TV who never really got going in the big screen are hoping that their upcoming movies will change all of that. Deebashree Mohanty spoke with Jaffrey and Sangeeta Yadav had a chat with Roy to bring you a report
Javed Jaffrey
My family thought I was too taken in by the character. That happens a lot with me. Whenever I’m given a role, I give it my all
What is your role in Besharam all aboutIJ
I’m playing a diehard villain for the first time and I’m super excited. I’ve gone all out with preparations to look every bit of my character. I’ve been living under the skin of my character for six months now. At one point, my family thought I was too taken in by the character. But that happens a lot with me. Whenever I’m given a role, I give it my all.
You took up special martial arts training for this roleIJ
I already knew the basics of martial arts which I’ve used extensively in my dancing styles. But for this film, I went into the advanced stages. It was physically draining but I enjoyed every bit of it. There were other strenuous regimes that we went into as well. Abhinav Kashyap wanted a hero-villain fist combat wherein we’ve gone into pure forms of fighting. That wasn’t easy but I’m glad we did it.
Were you concerned that Besharam was a very Ranbir-Rishi-Neetu Kapoor oriented filmIJ
A part of me signed up for this film because it was a big banner with a dream star cast. Working with such heavy duty stars has its pros and cons. But for me, this platform is ideal. I want to make an impression as a villain, what better movie than thisIJ The film has already created a buzz and I’m sure there will be a beeline of people who would want to watch Besharam.
What about your other film War Chhodna YaarIJ
That is a comic satire around wars. This is also a very special film. A movie that had to be made. There is a strong message going out to everyone who watches the film. The movie may not do wonders to the box office collections but it’s an off beat film. Very different from the run-of-the-mills stuff we get to watch these days.
Are you saying films these days don’t have that qualityIJ
No. I’m saying that every kind of film has an audience these days. If commercial films like Dabangg and Chennai Express are doing well, there are movies like The lunchbox which, too, have got good critic response. That’s nice to see.
You have done a variety of roles. What is your favouriteIJ
I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve done so far, be it comedy or playing a psychological character in The Forest. For me, there is an ideal diet for every actor — do a bit of everything. I’ve stuck to this mantra which has worked. Now, I want to be a part of a sci-fi.
How has Ranbir Kapoor matured as an actorIJ
I’ve seen all his films and with each one he has only got better. It’s still early days in his career but he has a good spectrum of roles to his name already. That is commendable. For me, he is the superstar of this century and is here to stay. I don’t think any actor can come close to his personality. He is also the most down-to-earth person that I’ve acted with.
Any plans of making a comeback to TVIJ
There is some noise made about a possible season of Boogie Woogie with Sony but nothing concrete has been planned yet. If something like it comes my way, I will grab it with open arms. I’m comfortable with TV medium. It feels like home.
Your chemistry with Arshad Warsi was quite something...
I have known Arshad since his dancing days. We have been great friends. I have done a couple of movies with him and a third one is coming soon. He is an excellent actor and a very focused person. He has the knack of choosing scripts that suit him. I am looking forward to spending more time with him.
What about your upcoming projectsIJ
Bang Bang with Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif is a movie that I am looking forward to. I play a negative character in this one too!
Ronit Roy
I asked Anthony, if i had to play Akshay’s fatherIJ’ He burst out laughing: ‘No, you play a negative role
How did this role in Boss come aboutIJ
I was interested in the project the very moment Anthony D’Souza, the director of Boss narrated his script to me. The movie had all the ingredients of a super hit. So, I was excited to be given any part of it. But initially I was confused about my character. I asked Anthony, ‘do you want me to play Akshay Kumar’s fatherIJ’ He burst out laughing: ‘No, we want you to play the negative protagonist’. I was not too comfortable with my role to begin with. It was Akki who convinced me
How did you prepare for this roleIJ
Ayushman Thakur is a tough cookie so I had to work very hard on my fitness to look like him. I also went through a strict fitness regime for 12 weeks that included an intense fitness programme and a proper diet. I am a very natural actor who believes in going with the flow. When I over prepare, I fail miserably.
Do you have a favourite punchline in this filmIJ
There is a scene where before killing someone in cold blood, I say: ‘Maut ko toh yun hi log badnam karte hai, takleef toh zindagi deti hai…’
Who is your boss in real lifeIJ
My wife, Neelam, is my boss. She tells me what to do and what not to. I have a lot of faith in her.
Your film Ugly is also doing the rounds at international film festivals...
While Boss is fun and entertaining, Ugly explores the dark side of all of us. I play the protagonist with shades of grey. It will be an eye opener.
Are there a lot of fight sequences in BossIJ
I had a miserable experience in one fight scene. I hurt my wrists, they were completely swollen. But we had to wrap up the scene that very day, so after a few ice packs, I was back in action.
Do we get to see you shake a leg in BossIJ
I won’t be dancing. But, my character will make sure he makes others dance to their death (laughs).
Have you been approached for Nach BaliyeIJ
The organisers have been after us for the past two seasons. But both Neelam and I have been busy with our children — Ona, Aador and son Agasthya We really don’t have the time.
How was your journey beenIJ
like any other actor I too had to go through initial setbacks. There was a time when I had no job at all. I had to work in the hospitality sector to make a living. In 2002, things started looking up. I got a few shows under Balaji Telefilms and with that my career took off. Now there are interesting offers from Bollywood coming my way. I have learnt a lot from this industry and feel there is a lot more for me to give.
Are you preparing your children for talent shows on TVIJ
My children are very young to participate in anything. I want them to enjoy their childhood. Personally, I would want them to focus on studies rather than look for fame at an early age. They have their entire life ahead of them to shine in whichever field they choose.
TV or B-wood, what do you preferIJ
There are a lot of actors from TV who have done well on the big screen. Sushant and Prachi have lots of potential. The kind of work they are doing, I would not be able to do. I’m happy being a character actor. TV is my bread and butter. I get a lot of movie offers thanks to the shows that I am doing. I will always remain faithful to this medium.
You haven’t explored the comedy genreIJ
I became a household name as Mihir of Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and then as Mr Bajaj of Kasauti Zindagi Ki, I got typecast as a serious actor.