Arshad says acting comes naturally to him ... and the actor has proved his worth in several films over the last 20 years. He talks about his latest project Michael Mishra, his take on comic roles and his future plans.
Of late, your films tend to blend comedy with a dash of drama. Is Michael Mishra also on similar lines?
Yes, it is. You have films like Golmaal and Dhamaal where there is no other emotion but humour - they are about mad people having fun. In Michael Mishra, the writer has created a world in which you have characters like Varsha and Michael who are strange and talk funny. They have their own world, and in that space whatever crazy things that can happen, do happen. But the beauty of this film is that it is actually a very deep love story. That’s what I found very interesting. When I heard the narration, I started off thinking ‘Okay okay, it’s one of those’ but then ... boom! It went to another level. I said, ‘Oh my God, that’s good. I didn’t expect that.’
Do you think you have been slotted in the comedy bracket?
I have no issues with my work and it’s totally my choice. Jolly LLB, Ishqiyaan, Munnabhai ... I like these kind of films. So I do these and I do other things. I don’t restrict myself. Fortunately, God has blessed me -- acting comes naturally to me. Whether it’s action, drama or comedy, it doesn’t stress me out at all. Many a times an actor thinks ‘Yaar, comedy hai, mujhse nahin hogi’ but for me that issue is not there.
Comedy is economically viable so producers make more comedies. Action also sells but very few people make dramas. There are so many comedy films being made that if you are an actor to whom comedy comes easily, you are bound to be approached. Therefore, you end up doing those films. But when I get serious films, I do them.
Film promotions are a significant part of an actor’s job these days. Do you enjoy them?
No, I don’t enjoy. My belief is that the promo decides the fate of the film. What happens is that when you see a good promo, you call up your friend and say ‘Watch this, it’s damn funny.’ I can convince you as much as I want to go see it, but you will not go if you haven’t liked the promo. For example, had I not promoted Jolly at all, it would have still worked because people loved the promo.
Despite the success of Jolly LLB, Akshay Kumar has been cast in the sequel. Were you upset with Subhash Kapoor?
It is not director Subhash Kapoor’s decision, it is the marketing team of Fox Star Studios which decided they should cast a bigger star as it helps them in marketing the film. The recovery of money becomes easier even if the film doesn’t do well. As business people they (producers) have done their job.
Was it disheartening?
I wish I was doing it but then I have so many other films. Subhash Kapoor is doing one film at a time and needs to start that film. They kept debating whether to cast Akshay Kumar and I told them (the producers) to go ahead with him. I think Akshay fits the bill as he can look like an innocent person and yet be a dude on a bike. He can be a village or a city man onscreen. He pulls off everything! He was the better choice. He will do a good job.
Will you be part of the sequel?
I may just do a special appearance -- that depends on whether I am part of the script or not. Also, I should have the time as I will be out of Mumbai for other projects.