Ramp-al(l) the way!

 

 

The most good looking family in the fashion fraternity. How does it feel?

Feels good when you look at your children and see how beautiful they are! But looks are really not important to either of us (Mehr Jessia and Rampal), and it has nothing to do with humility. Neither of our families gave much attention to vanity. We have been brought up in an atmosphere where we were more into sports and outdoor activities... It was only when we made our mark in the fashion industry that we were made conscious of our looks. It is, still, not the be all end all of our existence after all!

Do you think good looks ever come in the way of a hero being recognised as a good actor?

With guys like Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt, it did initially, but they are what they are – extremely talented. It did affect me too. Especially, say, at a special screening, all people would say, “Oh! You were looking so nice in the movie!” And then you wait for them to say, “No one but you could have done this role!” That’s an actor’s dream, but it often didn’t happen. Then I tried getting performance oriented roles and play realistic characters. The Last Lear gives me that opportunity; Rituparno gave me a very special role. Glamorous roles are easy but you end up creating a shelf life for yourself as an actor...

The journey from fashion to films... Was it planned?

I enjoyed films as a child. I had a wild imagination to be part of a make-believe world, I was really intrigued... The only thing that held me back earlier was that I wasn’t sure about the kind of cinema we were making – it was predictable, almost tacky. Moving into films was a conscious decision since I always wanted to study film making from NYU (New York University), but one has to wait for good things. Then, Mokhsa happened; it was an off-beat film. I’m glad I was around for that, instead of starting out with stereotypes.

Is acting a passion, or is it just about being famous?

It definitely came from within. I’ve studied a lot of films, autobiographies of actors and am mesmerised with their intriguing persona and this media for making films. It’s a blessed profession, it can create happiness. Everyone strives to be an actor but fame and fortune is only to those who are good at it. Losing privacy is a part and parcel of the profession, but if you deliver, rest of it falls in place.

You are quite a family man; you have your daughter’s name tattooed..! How do you balance the two – work and family?

The reality is, if you come back home and behave like a star, you’d get beaten up! On a serious note, you’ve got to be in touch with the ‘mortal’ in you. I don’t believe in the starry aloofness and tantrums. If you’re going to be playing ‘real’ characters, how on earth would you do that if you’re cut off from the society? A reality check is when you forget names of your buddies. Family allows you to get back in touch with yourself… As far as tattoos are concerned, it’s for the joy of the family!

You’ve been a supermodel, an actor… How did production happen?

I love entertainment and so, my company is going to be into entertainment too. Showbiz is an amalgamation of movies and glamour. I’m sure of bringing better shows and great looking content to the screens. I have Mehr’s support to execute the idea; she’s been around longer, is active and attuned to the business and I think it’s safer in her hands!

How do you entertain yourself?

Travelling to new places, photography, meeting people etc... Having been witness to you on the sets of The Last Lear’, one can say you like to get very involved... you need to familiarize yourself with everything. True? Or do Rituparno’s projects require that?

I wouldn’t say I’m like that in all my films. Ritu allows you to do all that… explore for yourself, hang around on the sets, get acquainted with the city that the character hails from. I just wanted to be myself; be there and chill out. He makes you comfortable.

Do you have any plans of getting your daughters in the industry? How do you think they deal with celebrity parents?

Jesus!!! My daughters are just one and a half and 5 years of age... I’m more worried about their school right now, more than anything else! But whatever they do, they must do it with dignity, love and passion. I’d like it if both my kids play some sport for the country! They love movies and understand everything, but can’t see me in a negative role! I always keep them in mind while selecting the subject. And yes, the fact of celebrity parents does come in their way at times…

How do you justify the limited time you get to spend with them?

When I was shooting for The Last Lear, I still managed to meet my family off and on, but when you’re touring and you don’t get enough time with your kids, compared to what you usually do, it has to be concentrated, focused and more selfless. Whatever time I spend with them, I make it worth its while – constructive! I also can’t but thank my parents for the way they supported me through everything.

What next – writing or photography or more films or direction?

I’m not getting into writing, don’t worry! Photographs are old memories. I have a huge collection of them – from my first film to the last. In fact, I’ve captured a lot of interesting moments from The Last Lear and maybe, I could lend you some! As far as new projects are concerned, the ideas one has, sadly, cater only to the Indian audience. Not that I’m being critical of the industry, but it could be better. It’s already doing well, but if China can be there in the world market, so can we!