Talent donor

The very glimpse of him brings back memories of the popular tv show, antakshari. playing anchor on the small screen may be annu kapoor's claim to fame, but each of his appearance on the silver screen had the critics eating out of his hands. The fine actor with a fine ear for music speaks to Nishita Mahajan on his 

dual passions…

 

Tell us about your role in Vicky Donor.

It wasn’t really a comic role, but from the trailers it looks like that. The film is about a subject which is considered taboo in our country. I play a qualified fertility expert who also runs a sperm bank. The business isn’t doing well though. And so he is looking for a special donor. Therefore, the story revolves around this donor, doctor and donor’s family.

 

It is John Abraham’s first production. How was it interacting with him as a producer?

John, basically, is a good boy. I’ve interacted with him during the shooting of Saat Khoon Maaf. Now, as a producer, he has done his job really well. During the shoot, I never faced any problem or had any complaints against the production house. 

 

After Aitraaz, why did you disappear from the silver screen? Was it an intentional move?

No. Nothing was intentional. I didn’t get good offers. I can’t chase people in the film industry; I can’t beg them 

to give me good roles and offers!

 

What kind of roles were you looking for?

I’ve always looked for powerful scripts and powerful roles. 

 

Do you at times feel someone of your caliber ought to have done better in this industry? Does luck play 
a role?

(Laughs) I think yes! Whatever roles were given to me in the past, I’ve tried my level best to do justice. It was unfortunate that some of those scripts weren’t powerful enough. That is why whenever I get roles like that in Saat Khoon Maaf, Vicky Donor, Gali Gali Chor Hai, I grab them with both hands.

 

If not an actor, what would you have been?

To be honest, I never wanted to be an actor. I always wanted to be an IAS officer. I had a brilliant academic career with 90 per cent scores. But due to financial crisis in my home, I couldn’t pursue my studies any further. I started working at the age of 16. For me, life has been a lot of struggle, a lot of ups and downs and a lot of miseries.

 

If given a chance, what about your past would you like to change?

A lot of things. I have so many desires to fulfil, so many wishes. I want to serve my nation in a more concrete manner. Our democracy looks so impressive on papers, but whenever we take efforts to implement things in our country, it fails. I know that cinema or cricket is the prime medium for entertainment in this country. I agree we all need entertainment, but we shouldn’t just fill the society with it.

 

Antakshari was a super hit programme with which you became a household name. Did you ever imagine being so famous? How did you handle all that fame that came your way?

Antakshari gave me everything and I gave everything to the show! Talking of fame, one shouldn’t take fame very seriously. On the one hand, it is there and on the other, it is not yours. If you have been conferred with fame by people, they also have the power of snatching it from you. You should just believe in yourself and stay composed.

 

Do you have any plans of getting Antakshari back on air?

I would love to. I still believe that reality shows like Antakashri, Sa Re Ga Ma and KBC have their own loyal audience. But I read this in one article that no other reality show is working, not even Bigg Boss. So, if given a chance, I would prove that Antakshari can rule again. People would love to watch this show again. 

 

How do you intend to contribute to music in the future? 

I am open! I’ve been interested in music forever. Currently I am not singing, but I’m hosting a show called Golden Era with Annu Kapur, so in a way, I’m connected with music. I have my production house and I’m looking forward to
new concepts.