I’ve four releases by Eid and I hope people wouldn’t get sick of seeing me (laughs). I’m playing a fighter in Do lafzon Ki Kahani who falls in love with a blind girl played by Kajal Aggarwal. Next is Yeh laal Rang which is a dark humour on blood bank mafia in Haryana where I’ll be play a jat. This is the first film that exploits my Haryanvi roots. You’ll see me as a wrestling coach in Sultan. I’m also portraying an intense character of Sarabjit Singh in his biopic film by Omung Kumar.
How do you manage to get into varied charactersIJ
I don’t know whether I’m coming into or going out of the character most of the time. I live the character’s life off camera as well.
You surprised everyone on the sets of Sarabjit Singh when you disguised as a prisoner and nobody could recognise you till you shouted out your presence...
Most actors play personalities to get into the skin of the character. I like to hide behind my character and think accordingly. It’s something that I do for myself. That becomes the talking point.
You are a part of MTV Junkyard Project in Delhi which was an extension to Swatch Bharat campaign...
I feel strongly about civic issues. With such a vast population there’s immense lack of civic sense. A little bit of effort and care can make our country more beautiful, comfortable and a better place to live in. We have the youngest demographic people in India and youth is our driving force. If we are able to encourage them to keep the surroundings clean, these youth can educate their parents too.
Do you think that a movie on such social issues can bring a change in societyIJ
Not at all! Youth don’t take to preaching very well and they are a bit irreverent. You can’t preach people through films on such civic issues. You can entertain and engage them and within that you can put some valuable thoughts. But a film just on Swatch Bharat will not engage people for sure. The MTV Junkyard Project is a great way of tying art and music and making the cleanliness drive a bit more fun.
last year, we saw only one movie by you Main Aur Charles...
I don’t believe in doing one movie a year. Instead I look for intense roles that challenge my acting prowess. Though I was busy shooting back to back films, 2015 saw the release of only one. Every movie has its own destiny and it has to grow on its own progression.
What is there in your wish list nowIJ
Salman Khan has been after me to start dancing. So I’ll take up a movie which requires me to dance.