Game for a real story?

Most actors dread being typecast as a romantic hero or a villain but Abhay Deol is undisturbed with the unconventional tag.

Though not consciously, Abhay tends to choose films that make him take the different route or push his boundaries.

“Being typecast is not a very good thing for an actor but one has to understand that I do not look out for directors who make unconventional stuff. I just end up liking only those scripts that stimulate me mentally,” he says about his choices.

Remind him that he almost set the trend with Dev D and he is quick to point out that the film was one of the most commercial films he attempted. “Whoever said Dev D was unconventional? It was a story that was said over and over the years and I guess giving it that contemporary touch was definitely a challenge. It wasn’t easy to put the age-old story in today’s context simply because everyone already knew how the story progressed. But we still managed to give it that touch and I am glad people have loved me. Now even if these films are not considered mainstream, then I’d like to remain unconventional,” he smiles.
 
Though he is not averse to running around trees and romancing girls, he says it needs to be done right. “Most of the stories are hard to believe and only happen in the fantasy world. Give me a film with a realistic story and I am game.”

That aside, the actor has just wrapped up the shooting for Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Naa Milegi Dobara with Farhan Akhtar, Hrithik Roshan. Kalki Koechlin and Katrina Kaif.

Primarily shot in Spain, the film is a road trip that traces the journey of three friends. Quiz him about working with Farhan and Hrithik, and Abhay is quick to respond. “They are like family. We had such a lovely time shooting for the film but all good things come to an end. Zoya too is a very talented film-maker and I am now eagerly awaiting the film’s release.”

Post that Abhay starts shooting for Dibakar Banerjee’s Shanghai with Emraan Hashmi. Visibly excited about the project, he says, “I haven’t worked with Emraan at all, but he is a hard working guy. I think we will have a good time,” he trails off.