Vivek is a dear friend Shabbir Ahluwalia

Comments [ 1 ] By Indra D. | 04 July 2008 | 5:06pm

Shabbir Ahluwalia, the famous Rishi of Kahin to Hoga and the most lovable Milind in Kayamat, has shown his mettle in films, too. This star, who had made his filmy debut with Apoorva Lakhia’s Shootout At Lokhandwala, is all set to team up again with the same director for Mission Istanbul. Let’s check him out with his new mission.

Q. How different is your character in Mission Istanbul from the one you played in Shootout at Lokhandwala?
A. It's very different from what I played in Shootout. My character in Mission Istanbul is of a terrorist whose name is Khali. First time I am playing something which is so black and negative. Khali is a born negative character, a very hardcore one.

Q. Are you feeling the pressure with your second film after been appreciated for the good performance in Shabbir Ahluwalia your first film?
A. There is no nervousness at all. The whole process is enjoyable, it is like taking care of baby after getting the script till the film's release, preparing the character and so on which is a complete journey. Filmmaking is always enjoyable.

Q. Whereas in serials you have to give fifteen to eighteen shots in a day, in films it's only one shot. As an actor how do you take it?
A. As an actor I feel serial is more demanding than films any day. But nowadays even in serials I give two–three shots with a view of giving my best in them. Now the working hours and process of working in films and serials are more or less same with only difference is movies get completed within two-three months while serials go on for one or one and half year.

Q. Your first meeting with Apoorva…
A. Apoorva first saw me in Kahin To Hoga and after that we met each other where he told me about the character along with a presentation for Shootout… and I said ‘yes’ to him at that very moment looking at the script and the cast in it.

Q. Had you have ever though about films at the time you were busy for television?
A. Yes. Of course, because when you are in this line you really think of films. Every actor wants to be a part of films. So, films were in the back of my mind but at the same time I also believed that I will do only those films with the subjects in which I really believe.

Q. Any special preparation for the character you are playing in Mission Istanbul?
A. Before playing this character I thought that I will meet the biggest terrorist in the world but unfortunately I didn't get the chance (laughs). Jokes apart, you can't prepare for this kind of roles. Whatever one knows about a terrorist is through television or internet. So whatever you present on screen is all your imagination.

Q. How was it working with Apoorva?
A. I think he is the finest director we have in our country now. He is young, enthusiastic director and it’s always fun and nice working with him.

Q. Your chemistry with Vivek Oberoi as you have worked with him earlier also?
A. Vivek is a dear friend and it's very nice to work with him. He is a fine actor as well. I enjoyed working with him in Shootout… and now it’s pleasure working with him in our second film.

Q. Your fans, especially ladies, love you for whatever you do. What would you like to say to them about you playing a negative character again?
A. Now I am feeling a little nervous that my fans don't get disappointed with me (laughs). I started my career with a negative character called Rishi in Kahin to Hoga, but still everyone liked me. So audiences love their actors for their presentation and not only for their characters. I will try and do whatever makes my fans feel good about me.

Q. Any unusual incident with any of your crazy fans?
A. I have all different kinds of fans and I have a special place for each one of them, so I would not like to comment on any of my fans.

Q. How do your fans react to you when they come to meet you?
A. When I was doing Rishi I got different reactions and now when I am playing Milind I am getting different reactions altogether. So it keeps changing. But the love I used to get from them is still with me and I am happy with that only.

-Sabir Rahman