New beginning for an action hero

AAGHAAZ MEANS `the beginning' and it is just the beginning of a success story for Hindi actor Sunil Shetty. He has had four hits in a row this year and has more interesting projects awaiting release. .

In a candid interview, he talks about his films, business, family and the man behind the persona - someone who is soft-spoken and sensitive, confident and level-headed. Excerpts from the interview:

You have acted in so many films. How does it feel before every new release?

Every Friday is D-day for any actor. Fortunately, I have had a very good running this year. ``Refugee'' and ``Jungle'' have done decent business and I am confident about ``Aaghaaz'' too. ``Aaghaaz'' is an action film and all my action films have been safe bets. It did very well in Telugu. Also, I am depending on Rama Naidu's track record which is 80 per cent. I consider this my life's best performance.

Your role in ``Dhadkan'' had negative shades.

Though it begins that way, it ends on a positive note. The character is someone who gives away everything. I guess, love is something for which people can go to any extent. Mine is a very aggressive character in ``Aaghaaz''. The character's problem is not with the people who have done him wrong, but with society.

You seem to have a penchant for emotional roles. Does it have something to do with your personality?

Absolutely. I am a very emotional person. Maybe it has got to do with the kind of upbringing I have had.

You had announced your retirement sometime ago in an interview elsewhere. Was it said in a fit of emotion?

It was a very focussed interview and I said I would like to retire when I am at my peak. Right now it is a good period and if I can manage this for another year or so, I will definitely exit gracefully. But I still love the industry and will do everything connected with it.

Your roles in ``Refugee'' and ``Jungle'' were too brief. Why did you do it?

It is because of my association with J. P. Dutta. Also, I do not believe the role was a small one. My aim is to work with the best of directors. My rapport with Ram Gopal Varma is spontaneous. If there is a good role for me, I know he will definitely approach me. Today I feel strongly that after the 40 odd films, it is very important to be associated with good directors.

What kind of films are you signing now?

I am going to be involved in different kinds of films. Right now, I am working in Priyadarshan's ``Yeh Tera Ghar, Yeh Mera Ghar'' (with Mahima Choudhary) which is an entertainer like ``Hera Pheri''. I have got ``Officer'' which is a thriller, ``Ek Hindustani'', Rahul Rawail's ``Kuch Katti, Kuch Meeti'', Rajiv Rai's ``Pyar, Ishq, Mohabbat'' and Mahesh Manjrekar's ``Ehsaas''. I have got offers from the best of directors.

How much has your family influenced you?

My parents are simple and adoring. If I can manage to give 50 per cent of the love that my parents gave me, to my children, then I will think myself to be the best father in the world. I still live in my parents' house and my father is the boss. We are a close-knit family. I have seen success with Mischief (his boutique). I don't mind losing money but not the closeness with my family. It would destroy me. If my mother and my wife have a tiff or if my wife gets upset with my daughter, it disturbs me tremendously.

When it comes to work, I depend on myself. My father had four restaurants. He gave them all away and retained only one. More than anything, he gave us time. He sat with me during lunch and dinner, and Wednesdays were meant only for us. He took us on summer vacations and I spent a lot of time in the village with my grandparents. My outdoor schedules are planned in accordance with my children's holidays. I give them as much time as possible and I am extra cautious. I will always be there for them, to teach them the difference between right and wrong.

Y. SUNEETA CHOWDHARY

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