Call it irony, but 40 films later, Bobby Deol is known more for his cameos than his full-fledged roles.
His last big hit was the family drama, ‘Apne’, in 2006 but careerwise, his stylish turn in ‘Dostana’ (2008) earned him more brownie points than all his ‘multi-starrer thriller’ films put together. After two back-to-back duds last year, Deol is counting on his first supernatural horror thriller, ‘Help’, to bail him out. That and two big comedies are on the cards this year. More from the actor:
■ ‘Help’ is said to be the first supernatural horror-thriller in India. What made you choose such a genre?
Throughout my career, I have never restricted myself to a particular genre of movies. I have done romantic roles. I have featured in thrillers, in emotional dramas. Horror was something that I was never approached for. For me, what matters is the intensity of my character in the movie.
■ You play a director who makes horror films...
Yes, I play Vic, a Bollywood director who makes horror films, but does not believe in ghosts. Suddenly fiction turns into reality and his family is exposed to the dark world. It is up to him to save his loved ones and revive his turbulent marriage. So it is about his journey to save everything and everyone that matters to him.
■ Spooks on the sets.
‘Help’ was shot in Mauritius. We shot in Eureka House, which used to be a French Colony.
The architecture was vintage, the ceilings high, with French windows... in short the house had a mysterious element to it. We changed the interiors a bit to suit the look of the film. More often than not, we shot during the night. And knowing that the house was almost 100 years old, all of us were a bit scared. I guess that is natural. The attic of the house was really creepy. We used to get scared to go there alone during the night.
■ After ‘Apne’, you will be reuniting with your dad and brother in another comedy, ‘Yamala Pagla Deewana’.
Yes. This is my second movie with dad after ‘Apne’, and my third with my elder brother. During ‘Apne’, I was a bit scared since it was my first movie with dad. But now, we are having a blast on the sets.
■ The best advice your dad has given you?
For my dad, I am still a kid. I look up to him for advice whenever I am confused about the way forward. He is a man who gives preference to family before his career and as his kids, we have always received the same advice from him.
■ There is also Anees-Bazmee’s comedy ‘Thank You... ’
I am always trying my hand at different genres. I loved the script of ‘Thank you’, it’s just a coincidence that it is another comedy film.
■ You have been called a cameo specialist.
I enjoy doing cameos once in a while. Though these roles are short, they are definitely intense and leave a mark in the minds of audiences. Like my role in ‘Dostana’.
■ Is there a genre that you want to experiment with?
I haven’t done a superhero movie (laughs). Jokes apart, genre doesn’t matter as much as the script and my role. Also I am careful that I don’t do the wrong kind of movies at this stage in my career. It’s every actor’s dream to direct a film some day. But I can’t foresee the future. You get to play characters that you are not in real life. That’s the best thing about Bollywood, or rather, cinema.