SHABIHA NUR KHATOON, OP
Kashmir is not only in a state of conflict, it also holds the stories of many of those who have made their way out of the mess to showcase their talent. Hailing from a family of lawyers in Kashmir, actor Arslan Goni is trying to carve a niche of his own in the entertainment industry. The actor is all set for his Bollywood debut with Jia aur Jia that also stars Kalki Koechlin and Richa Chadda. In a telephonic interview with Orissa POST, the actor shares his experience of facing the camera for the first time and working with
Kalki and Richa
Jia aur Jia is all about three strangers coming together and forming a bond of friendship. And yes, this is the first time a film has been made on girls’ road trip. Even if the movie has two female leads, Arslan plays a very important role in the life of both the ladies.
The actor informed: “I am the hero of the film and there is no doubt about it, but whether I am romancing both the ladies or not you would have to find out October 27. I am playing the character of a half-Indian and half-Swedish sculptor and the story is about two girls who came to Sweden for a holiday and there they meet this local half Indian-half Swed sculptor. Then it’s all about how they get into a friendship, how things turn around… I am not allowed to reveal more than this. That’s what I can tell you, but one thing is sure that I also have good share of role in the movie as the whole movie is about friendships, love and lives.”
Sharing screen space with Richa and Kalki was a wonderful experience, Arslan said.
“I met both the girls at the airport when I was preparing for the shoot. They were very nice to me. On the other hand, when I first met them I was really nervous because both were extremely talented actors in their own field. When we reached Sweden to shoot for the film, it didn’t seem as if I was doing my debut film with such wonderful persons and I would really like to thank our director (Howard) who made the atmosphere so light that even shooting difficult scenes seemed easy. Both Kalki and Richa were very helpful. Kalki helped me a lot during the entire course of the film. She was aware that I was a newcomer and the problems that I could face as a newcomer. She assured her full support and was practically with me throughout the film. Richa was extremely fun and encouraging to work with, even though she bullied me a bit. But I guess those were the moments that stay with us after the film,” he added.
While people struggle to get one movie, Arslan was lucky to grab a second movie offer while shooting for the first one. 2017 has been a great year for the actor as he bagged the lead role in his second film, that too with Nazia Hussain (Sanjay Dutt’s niece).
Talking about his second movie, Arslan said it was completely opposite of Jia aur Jia. In that untitled film he is a playing the character of a small town guy who moved to a big city to pursue his dreams. The actor didn’t divulge more about the film as it is still on shooting mode. The actor reveals how tough it was for the entire cast to shoot in Jodhpur as the climate was pretty hot there.
Born and brought up in Kashmir, Arslan moved to Mumbai to pursue his passion. He said that he could not desire for anything better as he got the opportunity to star opposite Richa and Kalki in his very first film. So for him, it was a golden opportunity and he is also hopeful that people would like his work.
Arslan, who was a law student, always wanted to be an actor but he himself confessed that he didn’t have the guts to admit it. He has this preconceived notion that if he pitched his idea of becoming an actor to his parents his parents wouldn’t say no. But the interesting part was when the actor collected his guts and proposed the idea of becoming an actor before his parents, his parents were very much okay his decision.
Arslan also admitted that this particular incident gave him a lot of confidence.