I Want To Keep A Tab On Aamir Khan

The Kai Po Che actor is on the threshold of proving if he can carry a film on his shoulders alone. His upcoming film Detective Byomkesh Bakshi is just two weeks away. We caught up with him at Yash Raj Studios (Andheri, Mumbai). Excerpts from the interview:
 

How did Detective Bymokesh Bakshi happen?

I was shooting for Shuddh Desi Romance. I got a call to meet Adi (Aditya Chopra) sir. And then I heard that this new thing was happening at YRF. They were collaborating with Dibakar Bannerjee. And when I found out about the character that I was to play has already been played some 74 times before, including mediums like TV, theatre and films, I became interested. 

In fact that should put you off?

I was ready to look at another interpretation of an old story. Byomkesh is an Indian detective who is very interesting and those who don’t know about him, can know him through this film. And those who know him will not be disappointed (smiles).

Have you seen the show on Byomkesh Bakshi with Rajat Kapoor in the lead?

Yeah, I faintly remember it. I was a kid then. I remember there was an introduction track, a sketch of Rajats that appeared before the show began. I vaguely remember the way he solved his cases. But Dibakar had warned me not to watch any of those shows, movies or plays that have Byomkesh in the centre. I was only permitted to read some of the writings of Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay who created the literature around Byomkesh.

Its weird he asked you to refrain from the material around Byomkesh...

You know when something is attempted so many times, you have to understand that the intent behind each attempt is different. Everyone has something new to say. If I had seen those shows, plays or movies on Byomkesh Bakshi, I would have been influenced by some of them. Subconsciously, I would have imitated them. And Dibakar didnt want it. He wanted something of our own.

Do you like reading and seeing detective stuff?

Yeah. I love Sherlock Holmes. I was hooked on to Robert Downeys version of the character, and even the UK TV series. As for the Indian detectives, I love them all. I love the genre actually. I watched Raja Aur Rancho, Vijay Anands emulation of Karamchand. I have been a fan of all of these shows. And its not difficult being a detective because he looks for logic everywhere. He looks for interpretations, he observes and thats what even you and I do. We just dont realise. Theres a detective in all of us. But this all began after I finished school. Physics, Chemistry and Maths in school never left me with time to do anything else.

How has your journey been from a romantic hero to a hot spy from the 1940s?

Kai Po Che was not a romantic film. Shuddh Desi Romance wasnt a romantic film either. Frankly, I dont look at a characters length or the films genre before accepting an offer. The script should fascinate and engage me.

Your first impressions of Dibakar Bannerjee?

Dibakar is such a sorted guy. He will never tell you what to do. He only builds walls...he tells you what not to do. Within that boundary, you have to come up with ideas and improvise on them. And that is a very personal effort you make for a role. The outcome is very honest. I dont think I have done that before.

How did you prepare for Bymokesh Bakshi?

The film has been set in Kolkata. I have studied history and there was so much happening in that city...opium trade, British Raj, American GIs, Japanese invasion, the formation of the Indian National Army...so much happened around the same time. So this characters mindset was decided by these happenings. His mannerisms, body language, everything was driven by the events happening around him. As an actor, I was quickly made to understand why this film is being made now. And once I understood that, I was firmly on track.

Let's talk more about Dibakar...

He has a very European style of filmmaking. Generally you are told to do certain things and you imitate, but his way is very organic. He doesnt spoon-feed. And his movie shows you things and leaves you to think over it and decide which side of the fence you are on. Without saying or showing off much, he rhetorically communicates through the movie. Its an art that comes with time, experience and knowledge of cinema. Initially, I couldnt understand what's going on but eventually I settled in.

How has the association with Yash Raj Films been?

I saw many movies of this banner when I was a student. And I would wonder how it would look if it read: ‘Starring Sushant Singh Rajput. Years later, I entered this studio as a background dancer. And when I made an entry in the register at the entrance, I thought, at some point I will enter this place as a star. I had no idea of destiny. Sochne mein kya jaata hai (laughs) Today, I feel so proud. There's a sense of fulfillment.

You are doing one more film with YRF, Shekhar Kapur's Paani.  

I just feel there are so many talented and hard working people but I believe in the saying, He who says he can and he who says he cant are both usually right. I dont believe in luck so much. If you can think, it will happen. And I think it will happen!

How would you rate yourself as Byomkesh if compared with the others who played this character?

If I assigned two people to make a film on me, it would be me at the center of affairs but their perceptions about me will dictate the way they make their films, the way they interpret me. Its the same case here. Everyone had a different thought and interpretation and so if I indulge in comparing, it will be unfair. This is Dibakars interpretation. After the research, prep and the shoot, I feel this is my best work by far. This is how far I can go for a role. Its a sense of achievement for me.

Is Dibakar a hard task master?

Never felt so! I enjoyed myself with him. I came on the sets with my options but wed try something different altogether. I learnt so much from him. I am just waiting for him to make a sequel to this film and work with me on it.

Which was the toughest scene for you?

I am supposed to be interrogating someone and that person dies in the thick of things. So I did the scene as decided, and it was okayed in five minutes flat. Then Dibakar called me and said: 'Lets try something else. We have 20 minutes more. He asked me if I had seen someone dying in front of my eyes. I said I have seen people either before or after their death. He asked me what is that one thing youd feel if someone died in front of you while you were having a conversation. I thought for 20 minutes but I couldnt figure. He said that you'll be fascinated by what happens in front of your eyes. As a character you can feel an array of emotions but the first thing you will feel is fascination. He said dont play it to the gallery, just feel the fascination and let that show in the scene. And the scene turned on its head. .

If you had to be a detective for real, who would you keep a tab on?

Aamir Khan. I want to know how he convincingly comes up with one good film after another. He has been doing this for so many years and has done it so well. His films have content and they have worked commercially too. I want to learn the art of sustaining that passion for films.

Lastly, why should people watch Detective Byomkesh Bakshi if theyve seen 73 interpretations of it in the past?

Its a YRF film by Dibakar with Sushant Singh Rajput (smiles). I think this is my best performance till date. And you will never get to see Kolkata in the 1940s with such a contemporary approach. The film will keep you on the edge of your seat. You dont need more reasons to watch a film, right?