After more than two decades in films, Samir Soni finds himself at a crossroads. In a recent post, he made it clear that he no longer wishes to remain on the sidelines. “I would rather quit acting than play a good brother, husband, father or any other supporting role. After waiting for over 25 years, it’s my time to play the lead now,” he wrote.

The candid admission reflects a long-building restlessness. Despite being part of notable films like the recent Khuli Kitaab and sharing screen space with some of the industry’s biggest names, Samir says his journey has often felt constrained. “How long will I continue to do supporting roles?” he asks — a question that, by his own account, has lingered for years.

One of his earliest setbacks came with his debut film, China Gate, where much of his role was cut during editing. “On the editing table, my whole role got chopped off,” he recalls. The experience, he says, set a pattern. “The worst part if anything happens on the editing table, the first thing that goes is the supporting character,” he says.

The actor remembers a formative piece of advice from the late Om Puri that shaped his understanding of the craft. “He said, ‘We are supporting actors. Our job is to support the main protagonist and antagonist, to prop up the main leads.’”

While he acknowledges this reality, he admits it can be frustrating. “There’s not that much importance given to the supporting cast. Their job is to make sure the main leads shine,” shares Samir.

Over the years, he has worked alongside stalwarts, holding his own in scenes. Yet, he feels that hasn’t translated into substantial roles. “If indeed I’m that good to stand my own against big actors, how come no one thinks of backing me with a decent character which has more depth?” he asks. Even when he delivers, he adds, the final cut often sidelines his contribution. “You’re just there to be the catalyst to move them forward.”

He sums up his career with a striking cricket analogy: “I’m like a 12th man who never gets to bat. I’ll be in every team but I never get to play a match.” Despite the frustration, Samir remains grateful for the opportunities he has had. “Not many people can boast of playing the son to Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, and years later to Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia,” he says.

What he now seeks are layered, emotionally complex roles. “I like roles which have more angst, more layered, more complete,” he says, adding, “even non-lead parts can leave a lasting impact if written well.”

Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 24, 2020)

Actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s sudden death affected people in showbiz in many ways. Some spoke about nepotism while others discussed mental health. Actor Samir Soni was disturbed, too, and made a shocking admission in an Instagram post. “It could have very easily been me,” he wrote.

Explaining his post, Soni, 51, says, “I understand the pressures of showbiz, which is why I wrote that. This business is unpredictable... It can get frustrating if after working non-stop, you have no work for months. One hit makes you famous, but give a few flops and people might forget you.”

The writer-director cites examples in the industry such as late actor Rajesh Khanna and actor Kumar Gaurav — both had major highs and lows in their careers. “In a low phase, sometimes one can’t see light beyond the darkness. You wait for that one phone call which can change your career. I have been there and so I could relate to the darkness. One has to be very strong mentally to survive in this business. It is not just about talent... It is a business at the end of it all,” he says, adding, “I’d tell young actors to act because you enjoy it, but be prepared for the long wait between projects. too. Even now, due to Coronavirus, a number of films will suffer and so will the careers of many actors, filmmakers and technicians.”

Soni debuted with Rajkumar Santoshi’s China Gate (1998) but his career didn’t pan out as expected. “When I was launched in a huge film, I was told I had a bright future, but once the film flopped, I didn’t get any work. My first marriage, too, fell apart... It happened so fast, I didn’t have time to react. I’d get panic attacks. For almost a year, I’d stay at home in bed... I was in counselling for two years,” he shares. Later, he thought Baghban (2003), which was a super hit, would translate into a lot of work, but it didn’t. “I didn’t get any film for three months, but this time I was stronger... I am glad I decided to transition into TV and saw success in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin. I did a number of films including Vivah (2006), Fashion (2008) and many TV shows such as Parichay, and web shows including Puncch Beat, too. I am happy with my career and life,” adds Soni.

Actress’s ‘Chamma Chamma’ from China Gate is being recreated for Prakash Jha’s next film
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 26, 2018) 

Urmila Matondkar’s chartbuster “Chamma Chamma,” which was a part of Rajkumar Santoshi’s 1998 film China Gate featuring Om Puri, Amrish Puri, Naseeruddin Shah and Danny Denzongpa, among others, is making a comeback. The dance track is being recreated for Prakash Jha’s upcoming production, Fraud Saiyyan, which is directed by Sourabh Shrivastava and has Arshad Warsi as lead.

Producer Kumar Taurani who owns the rights to the original song, told Mirror, “Prakash ji recently showed us all the songs from his film and there was a situation where a dance number was required. He selected ‘Chamma Chamma.’ We have roped in (composer) Tanishk Bagchi to recreate the song for him. Tanishk is known to work his magic on retro tracks. We should have the new version ready by the weekend.”

Meanwhile, the National Award-winning director’s team is still looking for an actress to feature in the song. “We are speaking to known actresses and should finalise one shortly. The song will be shot in the next 10-12 days,” Taurani added.

The original song was composed by Anu Malik, who also gave playback with Sapna Awasthi Singh. The action film revolved around Colonel Krishnakant Puri (Om Puri) and his team of 10 men who were sacked from the Indian Army after an unsuccessful mission called ‘China Gate’.