How do you continue to hustle at the top of the marquee after 19 years?
We all wake up in the morning and think ‘What’s next?’ I am a curious person and I am always on the lookout for new information, new experiences and new ways to present myself. I keep asking myself what is true for me at this stage of life. What resonates with me now? Because I’m not the same person I was five years ago.
I just got married. This is a new phase of my life. What I have always done throughout my career is to be honest with myself. If I wanted to be in a certain movie, I did. In the new phase of my life, I ask myself what I need to bring. What is it that will give me that satisfaction? I consider myself fortunate to have got all these films. Completing a film and realizing that you gave everything to that film is a priceless feeling. That’s the feeling I’m looking for now.
Why did you choose Phone Ghost?
I realized that my last few films have been either action films, epics or dramas – Tiger Zinda Hai, Zero, Bharat and Sooryavanshi. I am coming back to comedy after a while. I like comedy. Partner, my memories of working in comedies like Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya, Singh Is Kinng, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani have always been of spontaneity, laughter and more than anything else, the joy you see in people . Time in the cinema hall.
All of you have been praised for the writers of Phone Bhoot during the recent conversation.
The writers, Abhi and Jassi are geeks when it comes to horror comedy. They are so knowledgeable. They know the beats and punchlines. Phone Ghost is an extension of that passion. The film has a lot of verbose, self-deprecating humor and one-liners. When Vicky and Sunny (Kaushal) saw the trailer, everyone laughed at the jokes. So, I was happy that the jokes are working.
Do you believe in ghosts?
I believe there are other dimensions to what we see. It is indisputable. It’s hard to tell what exists and how it all plays out. But I believe you attract what you give.
If I see something scary at night, for two nights I will be very busy and have nightmares. There were phases in my life where I would keep a small light or the TV on while I was sleeping. But I am fine now. I have to be careful about myself and watch good, cheerful, frothy movies. Phone Bhoot is not just a horror movie but a horror comedy. It takes all the cliched things and makes fun of them. I enjoy this type of humour.
What are your upcoming movies and what kind of films will we see you choose from in the future?
We are still shooting for Sriram Raghavan’s Merry Christmas. I will resume shooting after the promotions of Phone Bhoot. To work with Vijay Sethupathi is a phenomenal talent.
Tiger 3 is getting ready. It will release on Diwali 2023. The sequences in Tiger 3 are going to be enjoyable to watch and will live up to the expectations of the people.
Gee Le Zara is gone for different reasons. But I am sure we will make this film. It’s just a matter of everyone spending time together. Currently, the film is scheduled for the end of next year.
I would like to play a superhero. It should be something like in X-Men space or Action space. Maybe it could be something like Atomic Blonde that has an emotional connection. I have been saying this for the last ten years that I have not done any period film. It is a good thing that even after 19 years in the industry, I still have a lot to explore.
How has marrying Vicky Kaushal changed your life?
There is a lot of peace and stability in my life after marriage and Vicky is by my side all the time. He is the perfect balance for the person I am. I may be hyper, panicking and overthinking, but that’s the opposite. It’s a good balance.