Abhay Deol on why he won't go shirtless, on handling not more than two films a year, and why he moved out of Dharmendra's home
Abhay Deol on why he won't go shirtless, on handling not more than two films a year, and why he moved out of Dharmendra's home
After making a breakthrough with Dev. D in 2009, you have only been seen in the Road, Movie and chick flick Aisha. Why this two-year long gap?
Yes, I suppose you can call it a gap. But I like taking breaks. The only film I shot for after Dev. D was Aisha. It was not the kind of work I normally do, but it was work. And after that I shot for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.
I've averaged two films a year; and that's the pace I would like to work at, because I find it creatively fulfilling. I can't handle more than that.
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Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara stars Hrithik Roshan besides the film's producer Farhan Akhtar. Do you worry about getting lost in the crowd?
Why look at the negatives when there are only positives to see? Hrithik is a huge star; that ensures big budgets. And since Farhan is also producing the film he has every interest in ensuring the film turns out well.
There is no crowd; it is a script about three friends, and I'm one of them. How will I get lost? I read the script and loved my role. The best bit? Zoya Akhtar is a good director.
Did you get to know Zoya while shooting for Reema Kagti's Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd?
Zoya was the executive producer of Honeymoon Travels, but we have been friends before that. We used to hang out in the same group. During Honeymoon, we became good friends, and with Zindagi ufffd, the friendship has strengthened. She has made Zindagi like a breezy, comic adventure film.
Is it true that, unlike Hrithik and Farhan, you refused to go shirtless for a scene in Zindagi ...?
I didn't mind going shirtless, but I would have had to shave my chest, which I didn't want to do. Stylist Arjun Bhasin told me 'You have hair on your chestu00a0... people are going to throw tomatoes at you in the scene. Do you want the pulp to coagulate and stick to your chest? It will not look good.'
He was right. So, I wore a T-shirt.
Dibakar Banerjee is the only director to recast you (in his forthcoming Shanghai). No other filmmaker, not even your debut director Imtiaz Ali, has worked with you again.
During Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, Dibakar had spoken of working with me again. The two of us got along really well. He liked what I did in the film and saw a future where we could collaborate. Dibakar didn't care if I had success behind me or not. He is an intelligent and creative man, and when he brought up Shanghai, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I didn't even ask to read the script.
In the film, you are going to play a character who's part of the establishment, unlike your earlier roles.
It is a welcome change. earlier, I have mostly played the rebel.
Sunny Deol says the sequel of Yamla Pagla Deewana could be called Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana and could star you. Are you game?
(Smiles) Yes, that would be fun. I have seen the film, and it is hilarious.
Dharmendra's home is famous for housing many a Deol. Why did you move out?
I guess because I want a personal life.
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