The negative character was played by Amrish Puri in Gadar, you have got this responsibility in Gadar 2, how nervous were you while shooting?
Yes, I was nervous and I was also scared. But I have played this character with full honesty. The best part is that it is a different role and not the one that Amrish Puri ji played. My character is totally different. Comparison should happen when the level is same so I would request everyone not to compare yourselves. Amrish ji is a legend.
What was your special preparation for this role?
I took complete notes on body language of an army officer from an army colonel. How do they talk to their senior or junior. How do you go? I focused on every little thing. This character is from the 70s, so attention had to be paid to the language as well. The good thing is that I have a good hold on the language so I can speak it well. Along with this, the director of the film, Anil ji told me that you are playing this character, so think of it in your own way. He has also given me creative freedom in crafting the character.
How was your experience with Sunny Deol?
He is humble, soft spoken and very caring person. When I met him in Mumbai before the shooting started, the first thing he asked me was if I could play the most ruthless villain in Gadar 2 as we all know that our industry is lacking a powerful villain. Can you take his place? I told him that I will try my best under the guidance of you and Anil Sharma. Sunny sir is very caring, during a high octane fighting scene in the film, after the cut he gently asked me whether I was hurt or not. There are very few people who take so much care of their co-stars.
What are your memories of Gadar?
I have seen this film so many times in theaters and TV that I have remembered it. Even if I was not a part of Gadar 2, I would have definitely seen this film first day first show. When this film was re-released on June 9, my memories got refreshed for me. Everything in the film from dialogues to visuals was very special, director Anil Sharma directed a commercial film in a very realistic manner. He made Ghadar a Ghadar.
You also played the role of an army officer in Pathan, the most successful film of the year?
In both the films, I have played the character of a Pakistani army officer, where I have worn the uniform, but that does not mean that both are the same. Both the directors (Siddharth Anand and Anil Sharma) come from different schools and their way of working is different, so both the characters are also very different.
How much have you benefited from Pathan’s success?
Definitely benefited. After Pathan, my identity has been made because the film starts with my scene. The role may not have been long but it was powerful. Having said this, I would also like to say that even after ‘Pathan’, I still haven’t found the role I was looking for. But I am sure Gadar 2 will bring a lot of possibilities for me as an actor. I was selected almost at the same time in Gadar and Pathan.
There is a perception in the industry that TV actors are not easily cast in films or webseries. What is your opinion on this?
Such a belief can happen because TV actors are seen on TV almost everyday. But I never faced it because I have worked in Chandragupt Maurya and Anil Sharma saw me in the show and cast me for Gadar 2. I think talent should matter the most in an actor.
So you’ve never gotten a rejection?
I must have been rejected 100 times in auditions and I don’t see any harm in it. Because if you are not suitable for any role then how any director will cast you in that particular role.
Do you always appear bald reel or real, is there a specific reason for this?
(Laughs) It’s been 12 years since the serial Chandragupta. His industry did not allow me to grow my hair. I think this makes my character more effective. I will probably be the first actor who has played the character of Kansa in baldness. It was my firm belief to play Kansa in a bald avatar. My argument was that because we have never seen Kansa in real life. We have made his form according to ourselves, so why can’t his form be bald.