Marriage is not a guarantee of loyalty: Abhay Deol

Mumbai: Tracking down Abhay Deol for a phone interview proved to be a Herculean task. Not that he was acting pricey, but because he was somewhere in the interiors of Bhopal, shooting for his forthcoming film. The phone network threw tantrums at us instead and finally when our lines connected, the actor spoke to us about his insecurities, relationships and believing in love.

What excites you more — the script or the people associated with the film?

I basically look for the character. Of course, the director and co-stars add to the plus factor. But the story has to be content-driven without compromising on entertainment.

Director Dibakar Banerjee's 'Shanghai' is a political thriller.
Abhay Deol, Emraan Hashmi and Kalki Koechlin play the lead roles in the film.
The film is being released on June 8, 2012.
Vishal-Shekhar has composed the music of the film.
Bengali actor Prosenjit Chatterjee is also a part of the film.
The film revolves around politicians and their greed for money.
Dibakar Banerjee has been associated with films like 'Khosla Ka Ghosla', 'Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!' and 'Love Sex aur Dhokha' in past.
Strong storyline and superb performances have been the strength of his films so far.
Dibakar says he choses his cast very carefully.
He says that there has to be a right script, star and role to come together for his film.
'Shanghai' is first adaptation for Dibakar, who is known for picking up stories from newspaper headlines.
The film is based on Greek author Vassilis Vassilikos' famous novel 'Z' and has already been made into a successful French movie.
Thanks to his films like 'The Dirty Picture' Emraan Hashmi has shunned his serial kisser tag.
He is gradually being known as a mature actor.
Emraan had to gain weight for his role in 'Shanghai'.
Emraan Hashmi in a still from the movie 'Shanghai'.
Abhay Deol who has worked with Dibakar in past as well is known for his acting skills.
'Dev D' stars Abhay and Kalki will be seen together on screen again in 'Shanghai'.
As reports claim, perfectionist Abhay Deol wants to outshine Emraan Hashmi in the film.
Abhay plays the role of an IAS officer from Tamil Nadu in the film.
To get the diction of a Tamilian character right, Abhay Deol summoned a diction coach to help him out throughout the shoot.
Still Abhay Deol was unhappy with his dubbing at many places in the film.
So he called up the director and re-dubbed a few scenes of the film.
It seems intense competition is going on between both the actors.
The first trailer of the film is already out.
The promo of the film is impressive.
Farooq Sheikh also plays an important role in the film.
The film is being released all over on June 8.

images

Abhay Deol

As an actor, what are you most insecure about?

I’m not insecure as an actor. I’m insecure as a person like everybody is. I want people to accept me for what I am rather than what I’m not. If that’s insecurity, then yes, I’m insecure.

Do you prefer multi-starrer or solo movies?

I don’t have a preference as such. I like a good story more than anything else. Having said that, multi-starrers are more fun to make, as there are more people on the set.

Anyone in the film industry you look up to?

None. I admire a lot though.

What is your dream role?

I always wanted to be a part of cinema. This is my dream. There is no particular role. As long as I’m working, I’m happy.

How was it playing a south Indian character for the first time in your next?

It was tough, especially the accent part. We didn’t want him to turn into a stereotyped caricature. I even took classes to get my language in order and grew a moustache. As for the attitude and the body language required, Dibakar (Banerjee) guided me.

How do you rate Dibakar as a director?

He is an alien in a human body. (laughs) Seriously, it’s a pleasure to work with him. He knows precisely what he wants on the screen.

You have been in a steady relationship for a while (with actress Preeti Desai). How do you manage to do that?

I don’t know how actors are any different. Each one of us face similar problems in life, be it in a relationship or otherwise. My profession makes me travel a lot but I appreciate the time when we are together.

Do you believe in the institution of marriage?

It’s more of a cultural thing. I don’t see myself signing on something to prove my love. Marriage is not a guarantee of loyalty anyway. I believe in love more than in marriage.