FILM INTERVIEW: AKSHAY KUMAR
Bringing Comedy to the Bollywood Big Screen Again in ‘Desi Boyz’
Today’s rough economy is causing everyday people to make some tough decisions about how best to make ends meet. Akshay Kumar’s latest character – Jerry “Rocco” Patel – in Rohit Dhawan’s Desi Boyz (John Abraham, Deepika Padukone, Chitrangda Singh) is forced to stop leaching off of his rich friend and instead must seek employment at a strip club. In making ends meet, Mr. Kumar’s character finds that there is a whole new set of challenges in his newfound life.
In Hollywood terms, Desi Boyz can loosely be seen as The Full Monty meets Baby Daddy. The question is whether Bollywood audiences are ready for a film where stripping for income is a key plot theme. Mr. Kumar thinks Bollywood is ready. He also believes Desi Boyz is fresh and offers interesting perspectives of the realities surrounding us every day.
Check out what else Mr. Kumar had to say in his exclusive interview with Parimal M. Rohit and Buzzine Bollywood:
Parimal M. Rohit: Let's start with the easy question. What attracted you to Desi Boyz? What was it about the script that made you say 'yes'?
Akshay Kumar: It was such a fresh offering, in terms of Indian cinema. It really heralds a new era in comedy films, and the subject matter was also something new. Furthermore, what a shock the world is going to get when they see this film and realize the age, the potential, the talent, the brains, and vision of the director, Rohit Dawan. I’m a huge supporter of newcomers. They have passion and drive of the purest form, and this is what I was also drawn to.
PMR: The film has quite an interesting plot, what with strip dancing as a means to survive. Is Bollywood ready for such a storyline?
AK: I think audience tastes and expectations have evolved a lot, and the subject matter is treated with humor and good taste – it is not vulgar in any way. This film is made with a family audience in mind – even grandmas will have an honest twinkle in their eyes.
PMR: On a broader scale, what level of reality exists in Desi Boyz? Specifically, do you think there are men and women out there in the real world who'd consider pole dancing (or similar gigs) to survive in the current economy?
AK: My character, Jerry, is basically a guy who doesn’t care about anything or anyone, and the narrative demonstrates how the recession literally forces me to buck my ideas up, take some responsibility in life, and knuckle under. My best friend Nick (John Abraham) and I completely run out of money, and in our desperation, we are offered the chance to become male escorts. I certainly think the film reflects situations that may arise during the economic downturn, where opportunities are diminishing and people are forced to explore other ways of earning an income. Although it’s a comedy, it does deal with a very real, current issue.
PMR: What other realities exist in the film?
AK: It also looks at aspects of migration, and how overseas students and settlers are perceived by the host community. Immigration is an extremely current issue, particularly in the UK where the film is set. So the film also looks at how overseas visitors are treated in a foreign land.
PMR: Let's talk about your character. How will the audience relate to him? What was your attraction to him?
AK: My character, Jerry, is very happy-go-lucky and hapless, but he is forced to take responsibility through the recession and a lack of funds. He brings color and character to the story. Audiences will relate to him, as they will know someone just like him, and his experiences reflect issues which are currently facing everyone – how the recession is affecting incomes and personal budgets. I was attracted to his optimistic attitude and his sense of resourcefulness, given the circumstances.
PMR: What about working with Deepika Padukone? Was there any noticeable difference in working with her in this film as compared to Chandni Chowk to China?
AK: It’s always great to work with her. As well as an exceptional co-star, she is a dear friend of mine. She continues to evolve as an artist and prove her mettle, going from strength to strength in the industry. She was extremely focused, passionate, and disciplined back in the days of Chandni Chowk, and now more so than ever. She is a great asset to our industry, and it’s always great to share screen space with her.
PMR: Working with Rohit Dhawan, what was that like? Did you ever get a chance to work with his father? What was most impressive about working with Rohit? How did he help bring both your character and this film to life?
AK: It was amazing to work with Rohit, and he is a credit to his father. He has done an amazing job, and we are all so proud of him. I am already looking forward to his future work; he has an eagerness to accomplish and achieve, and is what blockbusters are made of. Yes, I have worked with his father before, and you can see where Rohit gets his exceptional abilities from. He knows exactly what he wants and just how to get it. He has given me great confidence; we worked unbelievably well together as we both had one goal in mind – pleasing the audience in every single shot.
PMR: A lot of new actresses seem to work with you, and this film is no different with Chitrangda Singh. Any thoughts on what we can expect to see from Chitrangda?
AK: Chitrangda is already wonderfully and critically acclaimed, and deservedly won a National Award. She is by far an incredible actress, not to mention stunning as well. This is, of course, her first commercial film in Bollywood, so nerves were high, but she has the ability to blow everyone away on the sets each day. An absolute pleasure to work with. I can only say I hope this is the first of many films to come.
PMR: End of the day, what would you like people to remember most about Desi Boyz?
AK: I would like everyone to leave the cinemas with smile on their face, a warm heart, and a sense of optimism and positivity. Especially in the current socio-economic climate, it is more important than ever to stay smiling and optimistic, and I think Desi Boyz treats a very real issue with a sense of humor and optimism. The most important thing is that it gives people something to smile about.
PMR: Similarly, what is your greatest attachment to this film?
AK: This film is a first of many – first-time director Rohit Dawan, first time co-starring with Chitrangda Singh, first time pole dancing... There is so much freshness in this film that I genuinely feel people will see so much from all of us. I love the story, and you’ll all see why when you see it.
Eros Entertainment's 'Desi Boyz' opens on November 25, 2011.
