Arindam Ganguly, OP
Bhubaneswar, Nov 6: Hindi film actor Sidharth Malhotra, whose latest movie Ittefaq was running to packed houses was in the city in connection with a brand promotion. The young actor was confident of his zooming career with several new and exciting films coming his way including a biopic of an army officer, a multi-starrer with Manoj Bajpayee.
Malhotra who is the brand ambassador of a cosmetic product, Fair and Lovely Men, interacted with Orissa POST over several issues including his maiden visit to Bhubaneswar, its cool environment and warm reception from the people. Excerpts:
You have worked in a variety of roles from Romantic comedy to sports drama and action thrillers. How do you see your career so far?
I am lucky that I had got many meaningful roles in the prime of my life. I started as an assistant director after which I got my break in Student of the Year. In the past five years, I ‘ve been learning the art and craft of this entertaining job. I am selective about the characters I accept which helped my success. Though a film’s success or failure is not in my hands, I try to do my best. If the filmography is interesting and has variations, you are through. Whether the film sells or not is secondary, but what matters is exploring new things.
Please tell us about your latest film Ittefaq.
It’s a murder mystery and a remake of the 1969 film with the same name. There is no song in the movie. It is of less than two hours’ duration. We tried to thrash out a thrilling mystery. I and my co-stars Sonakshi Sinha and Akshaye Khanna had worked hard in the movie. We had done the ‘‘campaign of no spoilers’’ and tried not to divulge the story to people. “It is not a film where you look at the numbers (box office collection), I know it is unavoidable. The film was made on a tight budget. It is not a film to boast money-wise, as the numbers are not going to be (high). The film is about three characters and their performance.”
What are your upcoming movies?
My next release is Aiyaary directed by Neeraj Pandey. I am playing an army officer. I had prepared for my role very hard. We had shot in London and Delhi for the movie. It is based on a real life incident. Manoj Bajpayee and me are in the lead. It is scheduled for February release. I am doing another biopic based on the life Captain Vikram Batra, a Kargil martyr. The scripting of the movie is underway and hopefully, the movie will start soon.
In these days an actor had to spend a lot of time in promotion and other things apart from acting. What is your take?
For an actor, fitness is crucial. I’ve been trying my best to workout which combined cardio exercises, weight training and swimming. Our profession demands that we maintain good health and try to do exercises and take proper diet. The youth should groom their personality well for which good cosmetics like Fair and Lovely are essential.
