From overnight recognition in “Mast” to his latest venture in Vikram Bhatt’s “1920: Evil Returns”, Aftab Shivdasani has had a rollercoaster of a ride. After a spell away from the big screen, the actor is ready to test the waters again with this upcoming release. Excerpts from an interview:
Tell us about “1920: Evil Returns” and your role in the movie…
My character in the movie is Jaidev Verma, a poet. He is somebody who has loved and lost. As a poet he is looking for motivation. He’s also disillusioned with life and seeks a purpose to live, and that’s when he comes across this girl who’s possessed by a spirit. And the movie deals with their connection.
The movie is a period film set 100 years ago. The mood of the film is very intense, and working on the film was quite a different experience. My role is also pretty intense and the low lighting throughout the film gave it an eerie feel. It is a horror film but with a touch of romance.
It’s been 13 years since your debut in Your debut film “Mast”. recently completed 13 years. How’s the journey been so far?
In hindsight, it’s been one big, fat, adventurous journey with lots of ups and downs. It’s been very happy and, at times, sad. But overall it’s been a very eventful journey and one that I cherish. I’ve learnt a lot from it.
Would you have done some things differently?
I’m largely happy with the way things have turned out and I’m happy with my journey. I wouldn’t really change anything, but looking back I would have strategized differently in terms of my career.
You’ve also been absent for a long time from the screen. What’s the reason behind that?
Quite honestly, I was just waiting for the right offer to come my way. I was not happy with what I was getting and I didn’t want to just take up anything… so I waited. I got a chance with “1920: Evil Returns”. And then “Grand Masti”, which is the sequel to “Masti”, also happened and here I am.
How’s “Grand Masti” coming along, and do you have anything else in the works?
“Grand Masti” is shooting in Baroda as we speak, and shooting should be done by December. We’re looking at a summer 2013 launch. The original cast of “Masti” — Vivek Oberoi, Riteish Deshmukh and me — returns in “Grand Masti”. This time it’s much funnier, much crazier and on a grander scale. Apart from “Grand Masti”, there’s nothing I’m working on at the moment. I like working on one thing at a time and completely focussing on it.
Keywords: Aftab Shivdasani, 1920: Evil Returns, Mast, Grand Masti, celebrity interviews
