‘I am not at all insecure enough to take up every offer that is dangled in front of me’ – Gashmeer Mahajani

After making a round of visits to theatres which are showing his debut film Muskarake Dekh Zara, Gashmeer Mahajani tells Jyothi Venkatesh that he is happy that though the critics have not been kind to the film, his performance has been appreciated in his debut film

Do you think that Muskarake Dekh Zara is the right debut pad for you as a new actor?

For a guy who has been doing my experimental theater in Pune, I, as a newcomer feel that with debutante producer Som Shekar’s maiden venture as a director- Muskarake Dekh Zara with new comer Twinkle Patel as my leading lady, I have indeed sashayed in Bollywood with the right film at the right time.

You happen to be the son of actor Ravindra Mahajani who is still popular in Marathi as well as Hindi films. Would you consider doing a Marathi film too?

Language is not at all a barrier as far as I am concerned, as an actor. If the work that I am offered excites me, I am game to work in films in any language, whether it is Hindi or Marathi or for that matter Tamil or Telugu.

Is your film Muskarake Dekh Zara a remake of a Tamil hit?

Yes. Let me say for the record, that my maiden film as an actor- Muskarake Dekh Zara is the Hindi remake of the Tamil hit Youth starring Vijay and released way back in 2002, with Shaheen as the leading lady.

Was playing your role in Muskarake Dekh Zara tough?

I play the role of the protagonist Vivek, who is a very simple and uncomplicated guy. I should say that playing the role of Vivek was not at all tough for me because part relating to Cinema isn’t tough for me. A big challenge and I could easily relate to the role in my real life.

In what way has your stint in theater changed your views about acting?

I am a through professional who hails from the theatre and hence I do not want to go on playing just the role of the typical protagonist in film after film. I want to reiterate that as an actor, I am ready to play any role, as long as it excites me, because I do not want to limit myself as an actor by playing safe with safe roles.

How did you land the role of Vivek in Som Shekar’s debut film?

How I bagged my debut role makes interesting reading. I used to frequent the veteran cinematographer Ashok Mehta’s place whenever I was doing theater in Mumbai from time to time. I bonded very well with Ashok Mehta and it was actually Ashok who had recommended my name to Som Shekar when he was toying with the idea of casting a new actor to play the main lead in his film Muskarake Dekh Zara.

What has your struggle taught you in Bollywood?

I have been teaching all forms of dance including salsa to young students in Pune, where I stay with my parents. Though it has been nearly two and a half years since I have been “struggling” to get the right break as an actor, I am not at all insecure. I do not want to rush into films. I do not want to take up every offer that is dangled in front of me left right and centre. I do not want to sound immodest but I known the stuff I am made of and would rather wait for the proper role than get into the mad rush as yet another actor who is part of the rat race in Bollywood.

How do you hone your talent as an actor?

I had earlier also acted in short films. I make it a point to watch good actors and try to adapt them by knowing what their strength and weakness as actors is. I admire Kamal Haasan for his performance of international caliber especially in Nayakan, Al Paccino for his portrayal in Scar Face, Robert De Nero for his acumen as an actor in Raging Bull and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan for almost every performance of his, whether it was in Rann or for that matter Teen Patti. I also like Shah Rukh Khan for creating magic with his energy and Akshay Kumar for switching into roles in films of different genres with effortless ease

Which are the filmmakers that you admire?

You can call me a very sincere student of cinema. I admire filmmakers like Rajkumar Santoshi for the way he handled his actors in films like Andaz Apna Apna, Guru Dutt for his trilogy like Saheb, Bibi Aur Ghulam, Pyaasa and Kagaz Ke Phool, Goldie Anand for all his thrillers including Jewel Thief , Martin Scorsese for all his films and last but not the least Rajkumar Hirani for making an attempt to make different films with wonderful and heart tugging messages like Munnabhai MBBS, Lage Raho Munnabhai and last but not the least 3 idiots.

— Jyothi Venkatesh