Passion for acting

Elated by two consecutive hits and bogged down by controversies, Fardeen Khan is a picture of caution today, says SUBHASH K. JHA who interviews the actor.

WITH TWO back-to-back successes, ``Jungle'' and ``Pyar Tune Kya Kiya'', to his credit, Fardeen Khan was flying high. He was shooting round the clock. Life could not have been looking up more for Feroz Khan's well-mannered, soft-spoken son until his recent run-in with the law.

Fardeen now treats his life and career with the caution of a long-distance runner negotiating a never-ending cavalcade of hurdles.

The cocaine controversy seems to have come like a bolt from the blue. None of Fardeen's close friends has ever found his behaviour anything but alert, clued-in and extremely gracious. A fitness freak Fardeen takes at least a couple hours off each day to work out in the gym. In person he's softspoken and polite to the point of staidness. Says close friend Sandeep Chowta, ``When parts of the Mumbai press wrote viciously about Fardeen being given preferential treatment during confinement, did they think they were talking about an ordinary hardcore criminal? Fardeen is just the fall guy who happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.'' Out on bail Fardeen who has always been subdued and reticent has become even more so now.

After an unsuccessful debut how does it feel to be suddenly blessed with two hits in a row?

I must admit it is very encouraging. I have a certain goal in mind and I am inching slowly and steadily towards it. It is a very good feeling to know I must be doing something right. It is also inspiring to try out two different characters in my two successive films.

What kind of response have you got for your role of the incorrigible flirt in ``Pyar Tune Kya Kiya''?

(Laughs happily) It has been amazing. In fact I had someone on the phone a little while ago telling me they don't blame both the women (Urmila Matondkar and Sonali Kulkarni) for being in love with my character. They think I look cute in the movie. That wasn't the response we were trying to get.

Your character in ``Pyar Tune Kya Kiya'' comes across as a hollow skirt-chaser who refuses to take responsibility for his actions...

I don't think my character is hollow. He's a flirt who allows things to go too far with the other girl, the role played by Urmila . At various points he assumes the matter is over. Maybe he takes a few things for granted. He never realises the kind of impact he has made on the girl.

Does ``Pyar Tune Kya Kiya'' warn married men against flirting?

Not really... I dont think the film comes with any message. I never thought about what married men should do or shouldn't do at any point during the making of the film. I am sure the photographer I play would be careful about the next girl he shoots. But I don't think he meant any harm. Luckily for me I am playing completely different characters in my next two films - ``Pyar Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega'' and ``Hum Ho Gaye Aapke''. These films have their own twists and turns in the plot. But they aren't as dramatic as ``Pyar Tune...'' My role of Rishi in Ahathiyan's ``Hum Ho Gaye Aapke'' is unlike anyone I have played so far. He lives life on his own terms. He enjoys the good things of life. He is wining and dining all the time and he's a chronic womaniser.

How important is fidelity to you?

That is a very personal question. I'd rather not answer that. I am of the view that it is best not to express my opinions about the characters I play, or pass judgment on them. Also it is best to let the film speak for itself. In fact I hate talking about my movies. People would read my views and pre-judge the film according to what I say. I do not like to tell people reasons why they should see my film. As a moviegoer I won't see a film just because an actor says it's a cool film.I respect the audience's judgment. If they like the promo they would go and see the film.

Was it okay with you to not have the central role in ``Pyar Tune Kya Kiya''?

Playing the central character isn't my main interest as an actor. If a character or a film interests me, I am very happy doing it. I am very passionate about acting and cinema. I think it is important for me to see the bigger picture. I don't mind doing even a 15-minute part if it appeals to me, if I feel I would have fun doing it and if I feel it would be a learning and challenging experience for me.

Of all the films that you had signed Neeraj Pathak's ``Maati'' sounded the most interesting...

Sadly ``Maati'' has not gone beyond the discussion stage. Neeraj had put together a very interesting project. It was a story about Dalits and Thakurs. Manoj Bajpai was going to play a Dalit and I was going to play a Thakur. I agree most of my roles are city- oriented. But some of my characters, like the one in D.Rama Naidu's film, are rooted to the soil.

What is this film with D.Rama Naidu about?

It is a very interesting remake, ``Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum Kahen'', of a Telugu film to be directed by Ravi Shankar. Coincidentally ``Hum Ho Gaye Aapke'' is also a remake of a South Indian film. It is directed by the ``Sirf Tum'' director Ahathiyan.

Are you against doing multi-star projects?

No. Both Anupam Kher's ``Om Jai Jagdish'' and E. Niwas's ``Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega'' are multi-starrers. I view the film in its totality. If my character has something interesting to do in it, then I am on. If I keep peering at other actors' roles I wouldn't be able to concentrate on my work. Yes, some characters may be author-backed while mine may not be. But these are things that need to be worked out before starting the film. The director or producer has to be questioned closely and the actor must base his decision on that.

Do you watch a lot of films?

Of late, no. I used to watch at least four films a week. Now I just don't have the time. The last film I watched was ``Meet The Parents''. I believe it is being made in Hindi. Emotions related to a protective father are so universal. Too bad we've made cliches out of such emotions in Hindi movies.

Do you hope to direct a film?

Most definitely. I have lots of stories in mind. I'd definitely make a film with a certain part of the audience as target. I won't try to please everyone.

Are you happy with the flurry of activity in your career?

I need to plan my time more efficiently. That would make everyone happier.

Why is your dad taking so long to start his next film with you?

He usually takes two to three years to start a film. I don't see why he should change that because of me.

There are lots of other factors besides an actor, that go into a film. He makes films only because he loves making them. As soon as he is ready to start his film we'll make the announcement.

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