At NSD, I had an amazing experience learning everything from stagecraft to western drama and Shakespeare, Maxim Gorky, Anton Chekov.
In 'Haraamkhor,' I have explored a few things which I wouldn't have been able to do in bigger films. The process of shooting this film was so organic that it enhanced me as an actor and an artiste.
I used to be the best comic actor in my batch. Everyone knew that my comic timing was impeccable.
There are thousands of ways to make people laugh - satire, black comedy, slapstick.
'Haraamkhor' is a low budget film. We are not worried about the box office because our film is already in profit. It's got a strong content that will reach people's heart.
Kabir Khan is a director who goes out of his way to make his actors comfortable. He's very chilled out. He makes the environment on set very casual and friendly.
Most people go to ashrams or retreats to destress and rejuvenate themselves. But I come back to my roots, the place where I spent half my life. And when I return, I spend time in the farms, eating a stalk of sugarcane, driving a tractor, and chilling with childhood friends.
'Freaky Ali' may look like an easy role to others, but it is not easy.
'Freaky Ali' is not a heavy film. It's a simple but inspiring film. It will inspire those who want to go from zero to hundred. People who have made an effort to achieve success from nothing will be able to connect to the character.
The success of 'Kick' will help in the marketing of other small budget independent films I have acted in.
The village I come from is the most ruthless, lawless land one can encounter.
Kabir Khan is that rare director who manages to merge Bollywood formula with a good story.
If one line about the film excites me, I try to take it forward.
Bollywood has always pampered heroes and treated actors as second class citizens. But, of late, it has realised that there has to be space for actors who can connect with people.
I do big films just to experience personal satisfaction.
I don't want to take names, but there are some people who get everything served on a platter. This is a movie, this is your role, and you have to do it. Some people have to strive so hard to reach where they have and want to.
I can go back to poverty if a situation comes. I have sailed through the worst days of my life, and I am prepared for any crisis.
I have done theatre, and I enjoy the process of smaller films a lot more. When I do such films, there are certain things which I get to do which are untapped. The scenes give me the liberty to play and mould the character in accordance to the director's mindset.
