What kind of reactions have you been receiving for ‘Hunter: Tootega Nahi, Todega’?
Be it social media or direct feedback from peers, they have heaped generous praise on ‘Hooda’, the Haryanvi SHO that I portray. The character was originally named as ‘Apte’ (Maharashtrian). I requested the makers to change the surname, keeping in mind my basic physicality. The makers suggested Hooda and that was that. A fair amount of his lines have been worked out together with the writer as the change occurred late.
Tell us something about your character. What drew you to be a part of this series?
It was an enriching experience to be a part of Hooda’s development along with the writer to suit the storyline of ‘Hunter Tootega Nahi Todega’. The character is nimble-witted, who lives by his own rules, is very brash and direct in his approach, and he ensures that everybody knows it. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything. For him, money and self pride matter. From being a good cop, he turned into a businessman. In fact, while shooting, I would have a hard time keeping a straight face with the things my character sees and does. The show had a gripping storyline with twists and well-crafted characters, and that was what attracted me.
How was it working with Suniel Shetty?
It has been a pleasure to share screen space with Anna (Suniel Shetty) alongside Esha Deol, Barkha Bisht and the rest of the cast members. I found Anna very involved in all aspects, especially the design for action, and he is committed to the betterment of the project. The energy he brought to the set was infectious. It rubbed-off in a positive way on every actor/technician involved in the making of this show.
Anna and I go back a long way. We have worked on four films together. I have immense respect and love for him. He’s a genuine well wisher and one of the rare, close associates that I have in the industry. The close bond is helpful yet a bit challenging, as both our characters are at loggerheads with each other in the series. The feedback on my performance is very positive, with the highest praise coming from my director and Anna himself. I am really glad to be a part of ‘Hunter’.
Like you, Suniel Shetty is passionate and loves workout and fitness. Do the two of you, often bond over fitness?
Oh yes, definitely! In fact, when I took time off from the movie business after I lost my wife, I set out to develop a fitness centre brand, which Anna magnanimously inaugurated in Delhi. We both like to keep ourselves healthy and fit. Often, our exchanges would be about the various superfood products available, which are completely natural. We are both against protein supplements and believe that natural food has the best benefits.
You were also seen playing a cop in ‘Gaslight’. Which one do you feel was more challenging than the other?
Hooda is a cop who is crass, in your face, and brash, whereas in ‘Gaslight’ my character is that of an investigative cop ‘Ashok’ whose approach towards his work is sincere. He is a senior, polished IPS officer. I played the part instinctively. I have had fairly good insights on how the real police world functions growing up, although the screenplay allows the part to be purely contributory towards the narrative.
How was the experience of working with young actors like Vikrant Massey and Sara Ali Khan?
It was wonderful to observe the seriousness on the set. Sara actually did a workshop for her part, and kudos to her for experimenting this early in her career. Vikrant, of course, is a mature actor who’s getting better with each performance. I really enjoy his work. In fact, a lot of times he was calling out for silence on set.
The sequel to 1920 is one of the most anticipated films. Can you share any update about the film?
I feel that for me to interact with three generations of Bhatts has been an interesting experience. Directed by my dear friend Vikram Bhatt’s daughter, Krishna Bhatt, the script was written by Mahesh Bhatt, and it is being produced by Vikram Bhatt.
Do you think the genre of horror in India is under-explored?
It is definitely underexplored. Overseas, it’s one of the largest money spinners. However, back home, it is still trying to find its way. It used to be a very successful genre in the 80s.
Being a public figure, a lot of stuff gets written about you. Do you ever go online and read about yourself? How do you deal with it?
I am seldom on social media. I go online only when it is work related. I read interviews when they appear. I read reviews of my projects.
In one of your interviews, you spoke about Mugdha and how she belongs to a different generation. What do you think has been the most challenging part of your relationship?
There’s nothing challenging about the age difference. We have entirely different backgrounds. I hail from North and Central India, and she has Marathi roots. I went to one of the finest schools in the country. She had good schooling but was also self-taught, which is a rare quality. If at all, the divisions make for an interesting relationship.
What common interests do you and Mugdha bond over?
Apart from our common interest in films, we both have a very strong spiritual connection thanks to our Spiritual Master Tarneiv Ji who means the world to us. We both love to travel and of course, we are both beach people.
You know the challenges of being a single parent. What is that one piece of parenting advice you’ll give to single parents?
I refrain from giving any kind of advice to anyone, as each situation and circumstance is different. The only thing our children want is our attention. Comparisons are always unfair because each child is different.
