Kolkata: Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn who has been in Kolkata for almost a fortnight, shooting for his next biopic – Maidaan, made it to INOX (Quest Mall) for the 3D trailer release of his much-talked-about film Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. The occasion also marked the launch of the multiplex’s Screen X theatre, which offers a 270-degree-viewing experience to the audience.
During the interaction, the 50-year-old actor spoke about Tanhaji, Maidaan, Kolkata, Bollywood controversies and his 100-film old Bollywood career.
100 not out
The biopic incidentally scores the century for Ajay in Bollywood. However, he claimed that despite having so many films to his credit he still feels like a fresher, while shooting for his latest release. On being asked if it was his conscious decision to have Tanhaji: The Unsung Hero, he said, “To be honest, I wasn’t even aware of this feat, till my director pointed out the same while we were shooting for the film.” He added, “When I was shooting for Phool Aur Kaantey, I hadn’t even thought that I would be able to act in so many films.
On Choosing Tanhaji for his home production…
The actor, said, “I was very impressed by the script. The idea of this film is to promote the unsung heroes of India. The students barely get to study a paragraph or two about Bravehearts like Tanhaji. Needless, to add, students beyond Maharashtra hadn’t even heard about him, till we produced the film.”
The actor also added that he plans to produce or act in a series of films about such unsung heroes of India. “I am sure there are many unsung heroes in Bengal, about whom people in other parts of India are not aware of. So, we are working on scripts revolving around unsung heroes, however, we at the moment can’t say for sure, regarding who will be the next unsung hero that we would feature.”
Biopics and distortion of history
The actor, however, seemed to be offended when asked about the recent controversy where the NCP leader Jitendra Awhad, he said, “Can’t you ask me questions about the film?” And then went on to add, “These days, people love creating controversies and making allegations. We have taken utmost care about not distorting history. We have consulted historians to check facts. I guess people are just making assumptions based on the trailer.” However, he did accept that despite adhering to historical facts the filmmakers while making these films do take cinematic liberties to make the film more engaging
On Saif-Ajay Jodi
The actor who gave some really big hits like Kachchey Dhaagey and Om Kara with Saif Ali Khan feels that the jodi has been under-used in Bollywood. He said, “It’s sad that we haven’t done as many films together as we should have done. But it feels good to work together.” He maintained that the moment he read the script, knew that Saif would be the best to essay the role of Uday Bhan.
Kolkata, Maidan and essaying footballer Abdul Rahim
Speaking about his Kolkata connect, the actor said, “I am here after 13 long years. And let me tell you, the Bengali sweets have made me put on 4 kilos.” The actor, who has been shooting in Kolkata and suburbs like Chandannagore, said, “Like Tanhaji, Abdul Rahim is also an unsung hero of Indian soccer, He was the manager and coach of the Indian football team, which back then was called “Brazil of Asia.” He added, “Sadly enough we are not even aware of this fact. When the script was narrated, I laughed, but a little research helped me realise that I was being told the truth. It’s a great feeling to act in a film about a man, who is the architect of modern Indian football.”
