Kabeer's next is my first realistic film: Bobby

Mumbai, Sep 17 (IANS) He wasn't visible at all on the big screen last year but he's already had four releases this year and three are in the pipeline. After the success of "Apne", Bobby Deol's career is finally looking up and he is upbeat about his first realistic film, being directed by Kabeer Kaushik.

"Kabeer had come to me with 'Saher'. I didn't know what he was capable of. I get very panicky with new directors. Now of course I'm far more confident. But at that time 'Saher' looked too similar to the Ajay Devgan film 'GangaaJal'," Bobby told IANS in an interview.

The film with Kaushik "will be a realistic, issue-based film ... a first for me. I play a character from Bihar who migrates to Mumbai," he said.

Though "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom" was a disappointment for its makers, it turned out to be quite fruitful for Bobby.

"Before 'Jhoom Barabar Jhoom' I never had girls coming up to me to say I'm looking so hot. It's a new feeling."

His forthcoming movies include "Ek" and "Roshan". "I'm looking forward to the future. I don't have to hit bull's eye each time. But at least I should be happy doing what I'm doing."

Excerpts from the interview:

Post "Apne" and "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom", which is the most exciting project on your anvil?

Well, I am doing a film with Kabeer Kaushik, who made "Saher" with Arshad Warsi. It will be a realistic, issue-based film ... a first for me. I play a character from Bihar who migrates to Mumbai. I can't reveal any more.

So you're gravitating towards a more realistic cinema?

You know Kabeer had come to me with "Saher". I didn't know what he was capable of. I get very panicky with new directors. Now of course I'm far more confident. But at that time "Saher" looked too similar to the Ajay Devgan film "GangaaJal".

You suddenly seem to be back in a big way.

Before "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom" I never had girls coming up to me to say I'm looking so hot. It's a new feeling.

You never had so many releases in one year!

Yes, three releases one after another and many more to come. I never planned it that way. But when things start going wrong you either go to the right way or pack up. I was working throughout the year. Somehow they started releasing one after another. I feel happy that people liked my work in "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom".

A lot of people don't like your long hair.

I had it in some films. But I couldn't get rid of it because of continuity. At the end of the day there will always be people who like or dislike something you do. I'm trying for a different look in every film. I like my long hair. But sometimes when the heat gets to me I want to shave my head off.

Was "Apne" an emotional experience for the Deol family?

When you've your father standing in front of you, no words can express your thoughts. I'm so glad we did "Apne". I've never felt more relaxed in my life. This is the most wonderful period of my life.

What family plans do the Deols have now?

We're trying to get more sorted out as producers. So, yes, more home productions. We've burnt our fingers repeatedly as producers. Now we're trying to get more organised.

A sequel to "Apne"?

I don't think a sequel can happen. I don't think we can get a script like "Apne" again. Now my dad, Sunny and I want to do a comedy together. But we need a great script. We've promised to make the audience laugh after making them cry in "Apne".

What next?

Well after "Nanhe Jaisalmer" I've another release coming up. It's Sangeeth Sivan's "Ek". My co-star is Shreya Saran who, I think, is really good. She's such a good dancer. I'll be doing another film with her. "Ek" is remake of a Telugu actioner featuring Mahesh Babu. I haven't done an action film for a long time, and that too with stylised stunts.

How does life look to you?

Really hectic. Even "Roshan" is almost ready. It may release this year. So I might have seven releases in 2007. I'm looking forward to the future. I don't have to hit bull's eye each time. But at least I should be happy doing what I'm doing.

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