Today marks the return of Priyadarshan to Hindi cinema after eight years as his comic caper, Hungama 2 opened on Disney+ Hotstar. The spiritual sequel of the 2003 film by the same name features Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Meezaan, Pranitha Subhash and Paresh Rawal in the lead.
In an exclusive conversation with Spotboye.com, Meezaan talks about giving tips to Pranitha about surviving in Bollywood, getting a chance to dance with Shilpa, getting praise from his dad Jaaved Jaaferi, why he is growing his hair back and more. Read excerpts from the interview:
Meezaan, two years ago you made your Bollywood debut with Malaal and now with Hungama 2 you are making your OTT debut. How excited are you about this?
I am super excited for it but at the same time, we would have liked for the film to come in theatres for we made it for that experience, but the dynamics have changed now. Nevertheless, we realise that it is a difficult time and we have to adapt to it. I am excited to see people’s reaction now as it is a family entertainer and not restricted to a certain section only. It’s a laugh riot.
You are stepping into comedy under the tutelage of the maestro himself, Priyadarshan. How was it being moulded by him?
I am just shocked by this opportunity because it’s such a big name, Priyadarshan, and for me there is no one better at comedy than him in Hindi cinema. He is a God in comedy. To work with such a credible director so early in my career is an amazing opportunity. Initially, I was a little intimidated as even my co-actors were such big names but when we went on set and started shooting, I realised how fun it really was. What people see in Priyadarshan films, the comedy and the enjoyment, it’s the same off the camera as well. There is no fighting, cribbing or stress and it’s so positive. Here, no one waits for the shoot to end as everyone is excited to get on the next scene.
Your co-star Pranitha had spoken to me about how you taught her about the nuances and technicalities of surviving in Bollywood besides your work, like the PR and everything. How did it feel imparting your knowledge to someone else?
I love how she has said this because I tell people about these things, but I don’t do them as often as I should myself. People ask me why I am not spotted much by the paparazzi but I focus more on my work and craft. At the end of the day, that’s what is going to speak to the people. If I’ll do good work, these things will come along. They are important, but they shouldn’t be the priority.
I try to help people as much as I can. I even give good advice to people who are starting in the industry. I know people who give bad advices too, but I try to be as helpful to people as much as I can.
Through Hungama 2, you also lived like every Indian boy’s dream of dancing with Shilpa Shetty. How was that experience for you?
Till date, it blows my mind as sometimes even today I can’t believe that it has actually happened. To get the opportunity to do Chura Ke Dil Mera is in itself a big thing, on top of that to get to dance with Shilpa Shetty, who looks absolutely stunning and dances with the same energy with which she did 27 years back, was an amazing feeling. The song is actually one year older than me. It’s crazy and I just feel that I have been lucky. She is a wonderful person and has helped me out so much in my dancing and acting, and behind the camera, being a part of the industry as well. I take tips from her for my social media and at times she yells at me for not being active enough. I prefer living in the moment rather than documenting it for people to see. Meezaan mean balance so I try to maintain that now.
Were you nervous before dancing with her?
100 percent. I was terrified of matching up to her. But it’s important to forget about these things once the camera is on and that’s what I do.
You come from a family that has a legacy in comedy. Your grandfather Jagdeep and your father Jaaved Jaaferi have been versatile actors, but they have achieved a status in comedy. So, did you take any advice from your dad in comedy?
Not at all actually as he doesn’t interfere in my work much. Although, if I ever do need it, he is always there. However, since I was born in this household, I have always been hearing about my family’s work and how they did it since my childhood, so that has stayed in my subconscious and comes out when it is needed to. Because of what I have heard and learnt as a kid; I was able to perform what little I did. The genes do have a part in it and it has been passed on someway. I am just trying to take it forward in any way I can.
How did your father react to the film’s trailer?
He loved the trailer but he hasn’t said much because I know he will wait for the whole movie to come out first and then share his feedback on what was good and bad.
From your first film to second, you jumped from drama to comedy. From the grand vision of Sanjay Leela Bhansali to the effortless environment of a Priyadarshan film. How was that transition?
It was absolutely challenging as both were extremely different school of working. But I feel lucky to get to see two such contrasting ways of working in just my first two films. I have never thought about it, but in retrospect, it seems so crazy. I am just fortunate enough to work with such big directors in the beginning of my career. Sanjay sir has lot of preparations and there are so many things apart from the performances, including costumes, look and hair that he pays attention to. But with Priyan sir, it was just reach on set, enjoy and do what Priyan sir ask us to. We would shoot only till 5.30 pm and then enjoy after that. It was so much fun.
I see that you are growing your hair back. Is it for any new role?
I have two-three projects coming up, but we haven’t decided what the look is for those films. I am just growing it right now because I miss my long hair days. And also, it is for the people who have been messaging and commenting on my social media that they miss my long hair look.
So, what is next for you in terms of your projects?
I can’t talk about them right now but they are all very different genres and that’s exciting. Hopefully, by the next month, my next project must be announced.
You must have had some memorable incidents on the set of Hungama 2, but is there a particular one that has stayed with you in a special way?
When we were shooting in Mumbai for our last schedule in February, we were doing the climax scene and it was the most difficult scene of the film. My dad just came on the set randomly and that made me nervous as his presence makes me conscious. The tension of the scene and his presence made it more stressful and I was just wondering what to do. That scene of mine was with Rajpal sir and I had to be at my best, but it turned out really well.
But while doing that scene, I gave the most number of takes. It was so difficult to get the timing absolutely right and get the energy soaring high. Me and Rajpal sir are pushing each other, running around and saying dialogues for that scene. By the end of the shot, Rajpal sir’s kurta and my shirt were completely drenched in sweat, they had actually changed colours. We went to the monitor to look at the shot and my father appreciated Rajpal sir so much for it. I was taken aback a bit by that since I don’t hear my dad say such things. Then he turned to me and said I did well and hugged me. So, that was really special for me.
Image source: SpotboyE archives, Instagram/meezaanj