Arjan Bajwa in conversation with Rachana Dubey
How did you get Guru?
I had gone to audition for Madhavan’s role but at that time I insisted on auditioning for the antagonist’s role as well. . Mani sir personally auditioned me for it and a few days later I was told that I was playing the antagonist’s part.
Did you enjoy working with Mani Ratnam?
I feel fortunate to start my career with Mani sir one of the most reputed directors today. I would consider myself fortunate even if it was just a passing shot in the film. There is lot I have learnt about cinema all thanks to him.
Apparently you are playing Nusli Wadia in the film?
I have also been hearing these rumours. Honestly, it’s not a biopic that’s been made. I wouldn’t deny that it draws some inspiration from reality. I play a flashy Parsi industrialist, whose forefathers have been in the textile industry. The film is set in the time when there was a near-textile war. It’s quite natural that people are relating my character to Nusli Wadia and Abhishek’s to Dhirubhai Ambani.
Isn’t it risky to start your career as a villain?
On the contrary, to play a negative in Mani sir’s film is a fabulous start. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Today there is no negative or positive role. It is only a character. It’s a character that I’ve played. Only a genius like Mani sir prepares completely for his actors. All we have to do is to set ourselves loose.
Did Abhishek Bachchan and you get along?
Abhishek was completely opposite to what I thought he would be. He had no starry nakharas. He’s very warm, friendly and supportive. There were occasions when he adjusted my tie on the set, scolded the dress team for not doing their bit on time for me. He made me very comfortable on the set. Though we don’t keep a track of what either of us is doing, I’m sure we’ll be good friends in the future.
Will you benefit from the film since you are missing from the publicity campaign?
The trailers in the cinema halls have me. Word of mouth publicity is working for me. The film industry folks look at me differently now. I’m positive Guru will work for me. At the same time I’m open to good offers from the south too.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}