There is a quiet determination in his eyes. His smile is warm despite all the challenges he’s faced in the past few years. His latest Raaz Reboot has hit theatres today and we bet that he is biting his nails.
We had met him a few days ago to talk about this film, and this is exactly what he had to say:
To begin with I would like to tell you that The Kiss Of Life is one of the most inspirational books that I’ve read. And it was great to see you and your son Ayaan walk the ramp at Lakme Fashion Week. Does he enjoy the limelight?
Oh ya well, he loves it and I was supporting him on this ramp walk and I was actually in-charge of actually getting him off stage because the moment he gets there and sees people and flashbulbs--- then he’s not leaving that space. So, ya he loves it and it’s pretty interesting for a six year old to love the adulation. But he is that kind of a person. I’m sure he’s gonna end up being an actor. He’s got all the traits right now and it’s pointing that way, I don’t know if his thoughts change but he’s definitely telling me right now: Dad I want to be an actor.
Has he ever been on your sets?
Yes, he has come a couple of times. In the beginning, he didn’t really understand what it meant when I said I am going for shooting, and that was when he was just 3-4 years old. He’s used to think that I am actually going to shoot someone.
You had said that you won’t be a part of Raaz for the fourth time but you eventually did it...
I don't see any film beyond a trilogy. A year ago, Vikram told me that he was thinking of making another Raaz and I almost got up and left. But I got sold on that 20 minute narration which he gave me.
Talking about your co-star Kriti, she’s a big name down South and this is her Bollywood debut. So, how is she as a co-star?
She’s very good. She fit in very well from the first day itself. Mind you, she has a very difficult role.
Vishesh films have been in the horror genre for quite a while now. Do you enjoy this space?
I love the space. I have been a horror fanboy for the longest time. I have grown up watching a lot of horror films. I’ve watched probably every horror film under the sun. From English films, to RamSay films, to our films that we’ve made here. I love the experience that horror givse the audience in the cinema hall. I remember going and seeing this film The Ring in a cinema hall, it’s very palpable when you see the audience react, get scared and suddenly they burst into laughter because they are kind of embarrassed to the way they have reacted to a horror scene. It’s a very unique experience that no other film gives you. In India, today, Vikram has monopolised this genre.
Do you believe in ghosts/spirits?
No, I don’t. I just make horror films and scare people with them. There are a couple of theories as far as ghosts go, but I’ve not had any paranormal experience and at the same time there’s a voice inside me that says that we must have faith in God. We haven’t seen God but we believe in the force of Him being there. There are negative energies out there. So think of it, it’s a big question mark.
How do you overcome your own fears?
I definitely have fears. There’s one thing that has left a lasting impact on me is a film called Shining, I watched it when I was a kid. Till date, I have a little bit of fear of hotel corridors--- the images of that film still linger in my mind.
Other things could be basic fears that every actor has – fear of people not recognising me, fear of my career ending, fear of losing my loved ones.
Have you ever dreamt of a ghost possessing you?
I would if I believed in ghosts.
Don’t you think such films are propagating superstitions in our society?
No, I think it has more to do with art imitating reality. We make these films because I guess there's a perception out there that things like these do exist. And that’s what we have built our script and film around. There are paranormal experiences people have had, which cannot be explained by science. We have to depict those things, and the person who’s superstitious is going to be superstitious anyway despite seeing the film or not seeing the film. So your superstitions are also based on your fears.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui has said that you have great fun while romancing heroines and he would love to be in your shoes. What do you have to say?
Well, I will definitely say that I have a great time, but it is also a tough task. Also, this whole label and image so to speak does get to you at times. Sometimes, I want to do a film without girls, without romance... a serious, topical film like Nawaz does. So, I think the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. It’s always nice working with the ladies, but sometimes it’s also good to make a departure. In fact, sometimes I would love to take Nawaz’s place.
You wrapped up the first schedule of Baadshaho. You are sharing screen space with Ajay Devgn for the third time. How is he as a person and as a co-star?
Very chilled out, very nice, he is so dedicated to his profession. He’s never insecure of someone else’s place in the film, which I think is a great thing.
You recently announced your first home production movie Captain Nawaab. What is the movie about?
It’s too early to actually speak about it. It’s based on real life events. It’s a very interesting journey about an army officer. It has a lot of conflict, wonderful sequences, there’s action, there's of course the romance bit, a love interest or rather two love interests. The script is being written and it should be ready in next two months. We start shooting in January.
Tell us about the music of Raaz Reboot. Which song is your personal favourite?
The music of Raaz Reboot is taking it back to roots. It’s not a bloody gory film. It’s an emotional world. My track is Lo maan liya--- great song, great lyrics, great melody.
What are your forthcoming projects?
There’s Badshaho, Captain Nawaab and two more which I can't talk about right now.
Image Source: facebook/EmraanHashmi