Versatile actor best known for his dark movies like Johnny Gaddaar and Lafangey Parindey, Neil Nitin Mukesh, 31, enjoys experimenting with genres. This year, following the release of David, he has four movies coming up – Ishqeria, Dashera, Rum Pum Posh and Shortcut Romeo. “They are all different genres and I am looking forward to working with young directors who have different perspectives,” says the actor.
About his role in Shortcut Romeo, he says his character is from Goa but wants to go to Mumbai to make it big. “He believes he can earn money the easy way and is in search of true love. He is not the kind who will go behind girls but will do anything for cash,” insists Mukesh, adding, “Shortcut Romeo is absolutely different from Thiruttu Payale. I watched all of Susi Ganesan’s movies and I thought Thirutu Payale was very dark. I did not want it to be that way, so I asked him to make the movie light and believable. So there is your usual drama, romance and comedy.” The actor observes that stories should be told globally.
“A Wednesday is a remake of A Common Man. So I think it is nice that directors in the South and North are making so many movies,” he concludes, going on to talk about movies that have influenced him.
Three to go
Cinema Paradiso: This film is engrossing in terms of the story. It lets you go on a journey of a lifetime. You get connected to the characters and it is beautifully narrated.
Amitabh Bachchan’s movies: I like all of Bachchan’s films. But my favourite would be Don, about a common man going out there and portraying a larger than life character. When he enters the frame, you just go, ‘oh my God’, there is a superstar. He influences me a lot when it comes to body language and dialogue delivery.
Rishi Kapoor’s movies: My favourite is Karz. There is a scene where he is drinking and when the maid comes, he tries to hide it and realises it is his sister. It was so naturally done. Even in the movie Chandni, when he walks into Sridevi in a wheelchair. Those scenes are amazing.
Shortcut Romeo is scheduled to release on June 21.
