In the industry for over 12 years, Arjun Rampal is known for his roles in movies such as 'Om Shanti Om', 'Rock on!!', 'Housefull', 'Rajneeti' and 'Rascals'. This year, the 39-year-old actor has his hands full with projects such as 'Ishkq in Paris', 'Chakravyuh' and Madhur Bhandarkar’s 'Heroine'. Incidentally, Rampal, also a savvy businessman, made headlines when he hosted singer Lady Gaga on her India trip.
Tell us about your role in the movie 'Chakravyuh'.
'Chakravyuh' is relevant in today’s time. I play a senior cop who is posted in a naxal area. This is the first time I play a cop and the movie shows a human side to him. It is a very serious movie and one will get to know a lot about the naxal movement. I am sure it will raise a few eyebrows.
You seem to be doing a lot of projects that are women-centric.
I am not an insecure actor. I am proud of the films I do, even though they are women-centric. In Heroine, Kareena is the protagonist who slowly becomes a victim of insecurity and meets different people in her life. All the characters give life to the story. I play a superstar in the movie. I think the roles I get in such movies are different and fulfilling.
How do you select your movies?
A movie might release and it could be a great weekend opener. No one can predict what will be a hit or not. I take up a movie if I think I will pay money to go watch it in the theatre.
Do you think Bollywood actors are insecure?
Actresses are insecure. After being in the industry for so long, I think actors contribute more. They get into production, editing and even screenplay. But actresses are insecure and stick to acting. This can be a good thing, sometimes, because it helps them be determined.
Do you see yourself taking on more challenging roles now?
I am getting younger by the day. I am fitter than I was before. It is all about the state of mind. The characters I choose should be convincing and people should accept me in that role.
Do you over-analyse your work?
I keep growing. I learn and unlearn things for my films. I do not look at the numbers and do not care if I am doing a Rs 100 crore or Rs 80 crore film.
How obsessed can you get over a movie you are working in?
I talk about it for days. For instance, after 'Chakravyuh', I have been ranting about naxalism, politics and the country. It was the same with Rajneeti. My wife threw me out then and asked me to come back only when I was completely done with it (laughs).