I want to play a villain: Saqib Saleem

A state-level cricketer from Delhi, Saqib Saleem wanted to wear the blue jersey and play for his country. But destiny had something else in store for him. Having started as a model, it wasn't long before he found his calling in acting. He made his debut with the romcom Mujshe Fraandship Karoge followed by Mere Dad Ki Maruti. He won rave reviews for his role as a homosexual in Bombay Talkies and got critical acclaim for his performance in Hawa Hawaai. Lately, the actor has been in the news for his music video Tum Ho Toh Lagta Hai in which he shares a sizzling chemistry with Taapsee Pannu. But it's his role of cricketer Viraj Sharma modelled after Virat Kolhi in Dishoom that Saqib can't stop talking about. He is overjoyed with the response his character has elicited — after all it was his dream to be a cricketer! Here Saqib talks about the kind of roles he wants to do, acting with his sister Huma Qureshi and more..                

Are you happy with the response you have got for your role in Dishoom?

Yes, it’s been overwhelming. I had got excited about the role because I was playing a cricketer. Though I couldn’t pursue cricket as a career I eat, breathe and live the sport. So when this film happened I thought this is my dream — to be somebody who I always wanted to be. When I read the script, Rohit (Dhawan, director) and I were discussing that we should model the character on somebody so that it becomes easier on us. So Viraj Sharma was modelled on Virat Kohli. It’s not a biography on him. I have only tried to imbibe his aggressive intent on the field (he is a soldier on the ground) in the character.  

Did you meet Virat? 

Yes, I had gone to see an IPL match. I am a huge supporter of Royal Challengers, Bengaluru. After watching one of their matches, I met Virat and told him that I am playing this character fashioned on him. He seemed interested and said he will watch.

What prompted you to do the music video Tum Ho Toh Lagta Hai ?

I have always maintained that music videos and web series are opportunities for actors and technicians, who haven't been able to do films together, to collaborate and make something exciting. I have never worked with Taapsee before, so I thought let's try this. I got a call from the makers who told me that the song is composed by Amaal (Malik) and sung by Shaan. When I heard the song, I liked it, it was a nice melody. So, I did it, and people have liked the chemistry between Taapsee and me.

Now you are doing a film together?

When we were shooting for the video, we used to speak about how we should do a film together and now we are doing it. It’s a love story and we are shooting in London.

Did you know Taapsee before you did the video? 

We had met at a couple of events. They were formal meetings. I didn't know anything about her. But she is from Delhi and so am I. I don't know whether it was that connect, but when we started shooting and got talking, we just couldn't stop. The director had to tell us calm down and concentrate! Taapsee is an easy person to work with. When you are working with somebody, especially on a love story, you have to know the person and connect. Otherwise it becomes difficult to emote. During the making, we realised we had a lot of things in common — the way we look at films as well as other things. She seemed to be on the same wavelength, which made it easy to shoot the video.

Have you become good friends?

Yes, she is a nice and sweet girl. But if you are hinting at anything else, that's not the case (laughs).

What is happening with Dobara, the remake of pysho-thriller Oculus?

Dobara is almost done. We have some songs pending to be shot. We are looking at a year-end release.

How was it working with your sister Huma?

It was a very exciting film for me because Huma and I were working together for the first time. Every film is special, but this became extra special. We always thought we will work together, but didn't think it will be so soon. Both of us liked the script, decided to do it and see who is the better actor in the family!

Was it easy shooting with her?

The first two days I didn't know what was happening. I will be honest, I thought she is my sister, how can I act with her. However, since Huma and I know each other so well, we just got into the groove — everything seemed natural and real. Being real siblings helped. Though our relationship in the film is different from what we share in real life, that connect really helped and we could do those scenes with each other.

Actors generally shy away from playing gay characters, but  you played one in Bombay Talkies. Didn't you have any apprehensions?

I am an actor, and I have to act that out. I thought I did a decent job. Now you see a film like Kapoor & Sons where Fawad's (Khan) character is homosexual. There is Aligarh where a senior actor like Manoj Bajpayee is playing something like this. I don't think we should stop ourselves from playing any character. Also, there's nothing wrong in being gay. We should judge the film by the script, not determine what we want to do on the basis of the sexual preferences of the character.

What kind of roles would you to explore now?

I would love to play a negative guy, play the villain. It is always interesting to have shades to your character.

Any plans of doing a web series?

Yes, something interesting has come up, but I have to finish reading the final draft. I have an offer for a series from Ashish Patil of Yash Raj Films. He has in a way launched me, so if I like it, I will do it. I am not averse to any medium.