What was it like collaborating with director Anubhav Sinha? You had also shared how being on the same credit roll as Naseerudin Shah and Pankaj Kapur was a proud moment for you.Anubhav disarmed me with his charm and wit. I figured he did not like the idea of the director-actor relationship. He enjoys being a friend, who is open to suggestions. Though I don’t have any scenes with Pankaj Sir and Naseer Saab, I just can’t get over the fact that there is a poster with my face alongside theirs. They are such powerful actors, who have been a reference point for my generation of actors.You too have managed to create your own space—from She to Darlings, Mirzapur and Murder Mubarak. Has it become easier for you to navigate the film industry now?This is something that I could not have planned. A lot of people who have given up on so-called Bollywood say that they watch my stuff because it is something new and original, which is motivating. Although I was never happy with the Bollywood tag—the name itself is derivative—what I am doing is also kind of Bollywood. The industry is easy to navigate, as long as you know what you want. You need a thinking brain, head on your shoulders and feet on the ground. After I started working actively, I realised people want to work with those actors who are adding to their life between action and cut.Your next, Matka King, is a period crime series, set against the backdrop of the matka gambling phenomenon of the 1960s. Tell us more.It is a dream collaboration for me. I have been a great admirer of Nagraj Manjule’s work. He is a potent filmmaker, and I felt he could challenge me in the best possible way. We are currently shooting, and I am in love with the 60s’ fashion, the bell bottoms, the kitsch haircut, and all that jazz.
Source link
