Arjun Rampal, about his cop-avatar in 'Chakravyuh'

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.
Arjun Rampal, about his cop-avatar in 'Chakravyuh'

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).

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com