This year has been nothing short of a victory lap for Akshay Kumar . After back to back hits with Bhooth Bangla and Welcome To the Jungle , the actor, far from resting on his laurels, is diving into uncharted territory in Priyadarshan’s next, Haiwaan. In a chat with HT City , Akshay talks about his transformation for the role, reuniting with Saif Ali Khan and why taking risks is the only way he knows how to operate . Excerpts:
It’s reported that several mainstream actors turned down this specific role before you jumped at it. What drew you to a character that so many others hesitated to touch?
Because that usually means there is something worth exploring, for me, the more interesting question is whether the character takes me out of my comfort zone as an actor,. NEVER… I find Priyadarshan a film making genius, he is a very rare director who can wear more than one hat, he has a talent in the dark side of the lens too, we are all witness to that in the original Bhool Bhulaiya. Which is why I felt this was a perfect combo between me, Saif and Priyan Sir, I personally couldn’t wait to jump on his idea. Rather than throwing fans off, it gives them a chance to enjoy us back to back in the same year without anything being repetitive. This isn’t the first time this has happened. For instance, Toilet Ek Prem Katha’s script was circulating for a couple of years and had been rejected by many actors before it came to me. In fact, Haiwaan came to me more by chance than by choice. I was shooting with Priyan sir for Bhooth Bangla when we happened to discuss what he was making next. I was the one who coaxed him into telling me more about the story, and that conversation eventually led to me being part of the film. What drew me to the character was the idea of making the audience uncomfortable with me. They’ve spent so many years watching me as the good guy, so this time, hopefully, they’ll find themselves wondering what I’m going to do next. I love making multi-starrers, always have, there is no need to have insecurities, the more the merrier. Unless one wants to be a stand up comedian of course. I feel sharing space with fellow Heroes and Character Artists is what makes a scene complete. I don’t enjoy being funny on my own as much, it’s why I love a Garam Masala, a Housefull, a Welcome movie, it takes a village to make an audience laugh. Regarding Haiwaan, for me, I get to work every day with my dear old friend Saif, I would choose that opportunity over a solo hero film any day.
I don’t really look at a role and think about who has said no to it.
