I tried to cut Salman?s role: Akshay
But Khan was too good in the film, says Kumar as he speaks to Vajir Singh about his film Jaan-e-mann.
Akshay Kumar, who wooed not one but three girls at the same time last Diwali in Garam Masala, will be seen in a new avatar this Diwali with Jaan-e-Mann.
In Shirish Kunder’s debut film, Kumar plays Agastya Rao, a geek and desperate suitor who gets tongue-tied in front of the woman he loves. “Anyone would be able to identify with my character. Everyone has got rejected by someone they love at some point or the other,” says Kumar, adding, “Agastya is an unfortunate guy who could never get a girl.”
Isn’t that completely unlike himself ? Kumar laughs, admiting that playing this character didn’t come naturally to him. “It was difficult playing Agastya.” Talking more about his various cinematic avatars, he says, “There was a time when people used to appreciate my look and height. People would come to me saying I look good and do good action, but can’t act.”
So, what do they say now? “Now they say: he is a risk taker and has proved himself,” he answers. “Life is all about challenges and I love to take them. I’ve always taken risks with my films, like I did with Abbas Mustan’s
Ajnabee
.”
Remind him that veteran Dharmendra was also known for having a gun in one and a girl in the other, and Kumar replies: “That’s a compliment. He ruled the industry for three decades. If I achieve even half of what he has, I’ll be ecstatic.”
Apart from loving being a part of
Jaan-e-Mann
, he feels positive about the project’s outcome, and its prospects for dear friend, producer Sajid Nadiadwala. “I’m glad Sajid and director Shirish believed in me and thought I could do justice to this character. The character was something refreshing for me,” he adds.
Ask him, about his co-star Salman Khan and he says, “Salman has done a wonderful job. The film belongs to him.” Khan plays a rockstar and guides Agastya into becoming one. But going by the promos, it looks that Khan’s intention is to ridicule him too. “I know which scene you’re referring to — the one where I say that I’m a homosexual,” says Kumar, laughing. “It’s a damn funny scene and you will see funnier ones. But there is also emotion which will touch your heart.”
Point out that
Jaan-e-Mann
is his third consecutive Diwali release, and Kumar replies: “I’m hoping for a hat-trick of successful Diwali films.”
Aitraaz
was a moderate success but
Garam Masala
was a hit. “I think festival seasons are lucky for me. Henceforth, I’ll have releases every festival season — Holi, Diwali, Dassera, Christmas.”
Has he tried to delete his co-stars’ scenes this time too (a reputation he has been earning over the last year)? “I did try to cut Salman’s role but he is too good in the film which made it difficult for me to play an editor,” he says. “Salman is at his best in
Jaan-e-Mann
.”
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