Neil Nitin Mukesh is in the news again. The promos of New York, his flick with Yash Raj Films, are being shown in the theatres with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. The slick trailer has raised audience's expectations for New York, which also stars John Abraham and Katrina Kaif in the lead. We caught up with Neil to know what his mood is like ahead of his film's release…
Tell us about New York. What is your role in it?
New York is a film directed by Kabir Khan. There is speculation that it's based on 9/11, but according to me, it is more of a human drama with a strong message. It was a brilliant experience making a film which has generated such curiosity. As for my role, I'd rather you go and see the film. There are multiple layers in the character, there's growth, which is the most attractive thing.
After doing a single-hero film like Johnny Gaddaar, how did you feel sharing screen space with John Abraham in the film?
I've always maintained that I concentrate on character-based films. I don't understand the theory of multi-starrer or single-hero. For me, a character is the most important thing in a film. Johnny Gaddaar again was a film with five very important actors and their characters – Dharmendra, Daya Shetty, Zakir Hussain, Govind Namdeoji an Ashwini (Kalsekar). Similarly, Kabir Khan's New York is not a star-based film. John Abraham, Katrina Kaif or Irrfan Khan have not been cast because they're stars. We've all been cast very well, and all the characters are very well connected in the film.
Do you prefer doing these kind of offbeat roles?
It's not like I don't want to do lover boy roles. I'm a human being (who can feel love). But there is a potential in offbeat characters. There is so much play. As an actor, I would die for something like that.
What is the best thing about your character in New York, and what is the worst? How did you prepare for the role?
I love Omar's character… I simply love it! Like I said, the best thing is that the character grows from the beginning of the film to the end. One man has to deal with a lot of angst and in different ways. There were a lot of preparations – but all were mental and emotional.
How was it working with Katrina Kaif?
Katrina is a darling, she's a darling to work with. I'm not lying when I say this – I had an amazing time with her. She's a livewire, a prankster. I was surprised; she's a brilliant actor.
What are your forthcoming films?
Apart from New York, which releases in March 2009, Aa Dekhen Zara with Bipasha Basu is up for release (after that). Jail with Madhur Bhandarkar is in pre-production, while Tera Kya Hoga Johnny has, in fact, already been shown at film festivals abroad. I'm also doing two untitled films, one directed by Ken Ghosh and produced by Tips, and the other produced by Eros. These could be love stories.
Are you the Johnny again in Tera Kya Hoga Johnny?
No, it's a 14-year-old called Sikandar from Jharkhand who's doing the role. Soha and I are the protagonists along with this boy. Mine is a very interesting character – an edgy guy who wants things to happen fast.
Is Neil Nitin Mukesh in on the six-pack abs craze?
I've always been lean and muscular. I don't feel the need for a six-pack. I've achieved a nice four-and-a-half to five-pack!
What's the scene with your love life?
I might be in love. But I need a response. I will talk about it when there is a commitment.
0 comments:
Post a Comment