The negative shade

The film is about politics and power of love. Besides me,the movie also stars Jimmy Shergill and Mahie Gill. All the characters in the film have a different agenda and use love to manipulate others. Im playing a gangster who works for Saheb and Biwi (Jimmy and Mahie). But he has an inferiority complex and can do anything for love.

Is the film inspired by Guru Dutts Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam?

Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster is a contemporary take on Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. The earlier film had a helpless ghulam played by Guru Dutt but in this film there is a gangster who is quite tough.

Did you watch the original version to get inspiration?

I had seen the film many times before. I found it absolutely beautiful. Meena Kumari,who played Bibi,was outstanding as a frustrated wife who is ignored by her husband. I always had complaints about Guru Dutts character as of a helpless ghulam! It did not go down well with me.

Where has Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster been shot?

The film has been shot at Baria,which was known as the Paris of Gujarat many years ago. The place is extremely beautiful with a treasure trove of flora and fauna. It is a haven for nature lovers. I enjoyed shooting there.

What was the most memorable incident while shooting?

There are many leopards in Baria who roam around freely. I had heard rumours that they would enter the hotels balcony. I never paid heed to them and would always keep the balcony door open. Strangely,one day I decided to shut the door and went to sleep. Late in the night I heard an animal growling on the balcony and scratching the door. The next morning I saw the claw marks and realised that it was a leopard. It was a close call and since then,I always locked the door at night.

This is the first time you are working with Jimmy and Mahie. How was the experience?

I proved to be a total prankster during the filming. Mahie had consumed some alcohol for a particular shot,but later she got totally drunk. The next morning when she woke up,director Tigmanshu Dhulia and I teased her a lot. We told her that she had done some crazy things the previous night. Till date,she pleads with us to reveal what she did that night. (laughs)

What next after Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster?

There are a couple of projects,but its too early to talk about them right now. I will be playing a police officer in Jannat 2 that is being directed by Kunal Deshmukh. A sequel to Jannat,this film was earlier known as Informer and focuses on illegal arms trade.

Is it true that you and Emraan Hashmi shared negative vibes while shooting Jannat 2?

I have nothing against him. I feel he is a wonderful actor and a good co-star.

How has life changed after Once Upon A Time In Mumbai (OUATIM)?

Earlier I had played the solo lead in many films but for some reason,those movies didnt fare well at the box-office. OUATIM was my first multi-starrer film where I got a lot of recognition. That movie gave me a chance to prove my acting prowess and boosted my career.

Ketan Mehtas Rang Rasiya has been ready since a long time. When is it due for release?

Rang Rasiya is going to release in October or November this year. It was a delight being a part of this period drama,which essays the story of the 19th century Indian painter,Raja Ravi Varma. I am not worried about the films box-office prospects. Though it has been shot a couple of years ago,I think it still looks fresh.