This modern-day Devdas Abhay Deol is all set to explore this most popular romantic tragedy in a very contemporary style in his forthcoming flick, Dev D. Being a creative actor Abhay reveals some unknown facts about him and the film.
How’s your character and film different from the old Devdas?
I guess the contemporary look of the film has made all the difference. The story is very much from the book. I have played the character with the best of my understanding of what the writer intended. I have read the book in English. I feel his character was contemporary for his time. He was quite urban in many ways. He is misplaced in the surrounding and has a spoilt, obsessive and addictive personality. And that’s what I have tried to play.
Why you took so long to materialize the idea of Dev D?
I had it in my head since long time. I narrated the idea to a lot of people before I narrated to Anurag (Kashyap). I wanted Anurag as a director and after that it was just a matter of looking for a producer. But my market wasn’t so great that time and not everybody was willing to take me as lead and my focus was on my character. …on my part I was very clear. There were few who showed interest but were insecure. I wanted to make it with Anurag. Vikas Behl from UTV Spot boy was keen to work with Anurag.
Do you think your performance will be compared with SRK or Dilip Kumar?
Yes I am aware of the fact that I will be compared but I will not indulge in that too much. I was compared to my family when I entered so I am used to being compared to the people in the industry. If I was compared to my brothers yesterday tomorrow after Dev D I will be compared to Shah Rukh Khan so what’s the difference? I am not here to be compared and see how I rate. I am here to work.
How was it working with two new actresses?
It’s good. Both the girls Mahi and Kalki are hardworking and extremely talented. They are very polite and very down to earth. Both are very natural and that’s their strength.
You have always played solo leads in all your films so far and all characters were well sketched. Do you insist on solo leads?
I don’t know but I definitely wanted big banners. But at the same time I didn’t want to compromise on my creativity. I think the bigger the film, the more likely they are to make a formula film. And with that, my creativity will be kind of wasted. I don’t have a definition for a big film or small film. When I perform, I always think that it’s a last performance. I think that’s what has helped.
Did you have any apprehensions with Anurag’s unconventional style of movie making?
No, if I would have gone with that logic then he shouldn’t have worked with me either. He has got a distinct style I agree but that’s his strength. He has his individuality. There are some directors who don’t have their distinctive style and they make films like manufacturing factory. Anurag has his different style in that way.
Many people failed to understand his last film No Smoking will Dev D face the same dilemma?
I have no control over what people think about him. I only have control over a particular project I undertake. My intensions for all of them have been to reach out to the larger audience. I am not going to go by a person’s success or failure before I work with him. If I want to go by success then people wouldn’t have worked with me either because behind me there are unsuccessful films as well. People who worked with me have worked because they like my work.
Are you creatively satisfied as an actor?
As an actor I will never be satisfied and will always be hungry for more. I am greedy right now. If I won’t be greedy then I will lose interest in work that’s why the dissatisfaction is there. But in terms of what I have done up till now I am happy.
