'Now, a villain is as glamorous as the hero'
In conversation with Jackie Shroff
Jackie Shroff needs no introduction. He will be seen playing a negative character in producer CV Kumar’s directorial debut Maayavan. The Dhoom 3-fame talks about his journey in the industry spanning over three decades. Excerpts follow:
This is your third film after Aaranya Kaandam (2010) and Kochadaiiyaan (2014). How choosy are you with films?
I have immense respect for technicians in the south. They are friendly and professional. I am quite choosy when it comes to films and pick projects based on the script, my instinct and the importance of my character. I don’t bother if they will be commercial or a critical successes. All my films, irrespective of how they fare, are close to my heart!
Tell us about Maayavan.
It’s a murder-mystery thriller starring Sudeep Kishan and Lavanya Tripati in pivotal roles, and I play a don-like army officer. The makers of Maayavan met me in Mumbai; I was impressed by the narration and agreed to be a part of it. There were no second thoughts. It’s a great team to work with.
So, how good is your Tamil now?
I can understand the language considerably well. In fact, it’s become better with every Tamil film I have done! Ippo naan konjam konjam Tamil pesuven. (Smiles)
Who do you want to work with here?
Rajinikanth! I’ve worked with him in Subhash Ghai’s Uttar Dakshin (1987). Then, Kochadaiiyaan happened. I’d love to work with him again. We share a special bond and he’s an amazing person. Also, I wish that someday filmmaker-actor Revathy would direct me. I’m a huge fan of hers.
You have worked in both Kollywood and Bollywood. Which one is closer to your heart?
I see myself as a performer. Then, I am an actor. There’s no difference at all. I’ve done Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi and Gujarati films. I’d say I am like water! Wherever I go, I adapt myself to the situation. It feels good that filmmakers from the south approach me for powerful roles. I am grateful to God for all that I am today.
Why do all your recent roles have shades of grey? Do you like playing a baddie?
You should ask that to the filmmakers who approach me with such roles. But I enjoy the process. It’s so much fun playing negative roles. Earlier, I got the good, happy and positive ones, but that has changed. Also, our antagonists are getting more difficult to resist, aren’t they? Gone are the days when villains invited looks of disgust. Now, a villain is as glamorous as the hero!
The Namma Chennai connection:
The city has been warm every time I visit. Whenever I am here, I make sure that I hog smoking hot bondas or idlis with pudina chutney from Saravana Bhavan! They make a great combination.
What’s next?
I hope to do fewer but more sensitive films in the future.
(The piece was originally written for The New Indian Express)
Jackie Shroff needs no introduction. He will be seen playing a negative character in producer CV Kumar’s directorial debut Maayavan. The Dhoom 3-fame talks about his journey in the industry spanning over three decades. Excerpts follow:
This is your third film after Aaranya Kaandam (2010) and Kochadaiiyaan (2014). How choosy are you with films?
I have immense respect for technicians in the south. They are friendly and professional. I am quite choosy when it comes to films and pick projects based on the script, my instinct and the importance of my character. I don’t bother if they will be commercial or a critical successes. All my films, irrespective of how they fare, are close to my heart!
Tell us about Maayavan.
It’s a murder-mystery thriller starring Sudeep Kishan and Lavanya Tripati in pivotal roles, and I play a don-like army officer. The makers of Maayavan met me in Mumbai; I was impressed by the narration and agreed to be a part of it. There were no second thoughts. It’s a great team to work with.
So, how good is your Tamil now?
I can understand the language considerably well. In fact, it’s become better with every Tamil film I have done! Ippo naan konjam konjam Tamil pesuven. (Smiles)
Who do you want to work with here?
Rajinikanth! I’ve worked with him in Subhash Ghai’s Uttar Dakshin (1987). Then, Kochadaiiyaan happened. I’d love to work with him again. We share a special bond and he’s an amazing person. Also, I wish that someday filmmaker-actor Revathy would direct me. I’m a huge fan of hers.
You have worked in both Kollywood and Bollywood. Which one is closer to your heart?
I see myself as a performer. Then, I am an actor. There’s no difference at all. I’ve done Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi and Gujarati films. I’d say I am like water! Wherever I go, I adapt myself to the situation. It feels good that filmmakers from the south approach me for powerful roles. I am grateful to God for all that I am today.
Why do all your recent roles have shades of grey? Do you like playing a baddie?
You should ask that to the filmmakers who approach me with such roles. But I enjoy the process. It’s so much fun playing negative roles. Earlier, I got the good, happy and positive ones, but that has changed. Also, our antagonists are getting more difficult to resist, aren’t they? Gone are the days when villains invited looks of disgust. Now, a villain is as glamorous as the hero!
The Namma Chennai connection:
The city has been warm every time I visit. Whenever I am here, I make sure that I hog smoking hot bondas or idlis with pudina chutney from Saravana Bhavan! They make a great combination.
What’s next?
I hope to do fewer but more sensitive films in the future.
(The piece was originally written for The New Indian Express)
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