The wedding season is in full swing, and celebrity nuptials are making headlines, which makes actor Saqib Saleem happy because he enjoys desi weddings. “I’m from Delhi and we have big farmhouse weddings there. I’ve grown up attending a lot of them. I enjoy weddings,” says Saleem, who recently attended the wedding of actors Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa, which he describes as “beautiful.” The Rangbaaz (2018) actor adds, “It was in a lovely setting with lovely food and great hospitality.”

Despite his admiration for the institution of marriage, the actor believes there is still time for him to take the plunge. “Do I get emotional when I see two people in love? I do, indeed. But I never return home thinking about my marriage. It is a lovely institution, but I believe I still have time for it. It is not on my mind,” Saleem explains.

On the work front, though he was seen in two web shows, Saleem’s last big release on the silver screen was 2018’s Race 3, and the actor was trolled for his performance in the movie. He, however, took it in his stride. “I think with Race 3, I got lazy. I did nothing new. I went in with the idea that commercial films are like that — I have to look cool. I never really got into the character and only played it superficially. It was important for me to hear that I wasn’t very good at it. When I was being trolled for the film and many people asked ‘Why he was in it? and ‘What he was doing?’... it provided me with a sense of clarity about what I should do next,” he says.

As long as it’s strictly for work, the actor doesn’t mind being trolled. “I want healthy criticism in life. How else will I learn? Sometimes, we actors approach every role in the same way. So, these things add fuel and push you to do better. Criticism is important, but not personal remark,” he ends.

“I don’t enjoy the society we’ve become. The vilification and the way a person is portrayed in the media is sad,” says actor Saqib Saleem talking about the investigation of Sushant Singh Rajput’s death.

“I have lost faith in news channels as everyone has their own version about the case. The job of news channels is to report facts not to give a narrative to the audiences. I am upset. It is unfortunate that a young promising actor like Sushant is no more. No one knows what happened and the CBI, NCB, ED are investigating his death. We all want justice for Sushant and Rhea (Chakraborty, actor and Sushant’s girlfriend),” he says.

Saleem wants a fair investigation but is also disappointed at how things have played out. “It is heart-breaking as Rhea is a friend of mine and as a friend, it is my responsibility to stand by her and her family at this time. Having said that, the case is in court and I hope and pray that the Indian judiciary gives a fair result of what happened,” says Saleem who shared screen with Rhea in Mere Dad Ki Maruti (2013).

The Rangbaaz actor is also taken aback by the “hatred on social media”. He adds, “Actors become soft targets. We can’t fight everyone online. The industry’s image is being tarnished but the industry is not just the actors but technicians, directors, creative talent and Bollywood generates a lot of revenue through films. Rather than generalising the whole industry, people should point out individuals who have done anything wrong. Most of the stuff being said is propaganda. Truth will come out soon.”

He further points out that hatred was the reason he left Twitter two months ago. “It was getting too much for no reason. I didn’t want to wake up to negativity every day. If I put up a post, which someone doesn’t like, not only do I get abused but my sister and mother do too. How is that fair? Tomorrow, when I have children I wouldn’t want them to be abused because their father is an actor,” he concludes.

Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 11, 2020)

The Hindi film industry, in the past few months, has been under the scanner, with many accusing it of being a big bad world where there is a culture of sidelining, groupism and drugs. Actor Saqib Saleem, however, feels that the narrative is getting a bit out of control.

He says, “I love the industry, this place has given me work and an identity. I am just a boy from Delhi; this place has given me love and respect. Every industry has all sorts of people, I don’t know why we judge the industry so severely at all times, maybe because of the attention and glamour attached to it. I am still understanding it.”

The actor, who has been a part of the industry since 2011, says his experience has been nothing but great. He also prefers not to delve too much into the outsiders vs insiders and nepotism debates.

“I don’t need validation from everybody. I need validation from people who are close to me, and till the time I get it, I am happy. I am not competing with anybody. I am generating the work that I like to do and I am doing it, irrespective of how the industry functions. I just know how I would like to function,” he asserts.

Saleem, 32, also feels nobody is ever forced to choose this profession, so there’s no reason to cry foul about the industry.

“Nobody told me to come to Mumbai, be an actor. I decided that myself. If it was easy, everybody would do it. But, it is not, nothing in life is easy. I think to blame the industry for anything is wrong. It is individuals who take decisions that determine who they are, that is not necessarily what the industry is,” he says, adding, “There are good people and bad people, you decide who you want to be with and work with.”

Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 16, 2020)

Saqib Saleem, who turned 32 on April 8, celebrated a low-key birthday with his sister, actor Huma S Qureshi. “I had a virtual birthday party. I had video chats with my friends and family... Huma made a lovely cake. Huma, my beautiful pet Streak, and I spent a wonderful time.”

Saleem says that the health crisis has taught him gratitude and the value of family. “We tend to get so busy focusing on the things we want to achieve that we forget about the people who mean [a lot] to us. The Coronavirus pandemic has made me realise how blessed I am to be alive, to have food on the table and have loved ones around,” he shares, adding that the lockdown period is strengthening his bond with Huma.

“We have good and bad days. Sometimes we spend the whole day watching something together. I help her when she’s cooking. And then there are days when we fight... We have discovered that we love playing chess. We keep having chess marathons. Our friends join us via video chat because they enjoy our banter. We’ve also started talking a lot to each other,” Saleem says.

Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 10, 2020)

For Saqib Saleem, 2019 was a rather busy year. He had been shooting for Kabir Khan’s ’83, where he portrayed the character of former Indian cricketer, Mohinder Amarnath. And so, he decided to take a trip to Amsterdam to “clear his mind” and start 2019 on a fresh note. “I had my friends taking a trip to Europe. But, as I was shooting till December 30, I decided to travel on January 1 and begin the year with a bang. I was in Amsterdam for five days and it was an amazing trip. I really needed this break,” he says.

The Race 3 (2018) actor adds, “Travelling makes me happy. It was important for me to go out there and have some fun. I worked throughout last year and I needed some time off. I have never been to Amsterdam, or Europe for that matter. It helped me start focussing on what I wanted to do next.”

So, what did he do while in the Dutch capital? “While in Amsterdam, I did the usual touristy things. I went to the Rembrandt Square, Dam Square, Van Gogh Museum and Moco Musuem. I used to wake up in the morning, get out of the house, pick up some coffee and keep walking with my jackets, mufflers and cap. It was very cold there,” the 31-year-old shares.

For Saqib, it’s important to take breaks to detach from a character and switch to a new one. He explains, “Once you travel, it opens up your mind as you meet different people and get to know about different cultures and settings in the world. It’s important to take breaks and travel between your work. Once your mind opens up, you can look at characters with a different perspective.”

The young actor explains that ’83 was a rather emotional exercise. “Every character that I play does something to me. When I played Jimmy Amarnath, it made me calmer as a human being because Jimmy sir is very calm. If one had to get him right, they had to inculcate a Zen like attitude and bring forth a sense of resilience. It was difficult to play a character who’s so calm because I’m normally very hyper. I had to start meditation just to calm myself down,” the Bombay Talkies (2013) actor says.

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; December 21, 2019)

Life has come a full circle for Saqib Saleem. The cricket-crazy Sachin Tendulkar fan, who has played state-level cricket, is portraying India’s 83 World Cup dream-weaver Mohinder Amarnath’s character in the film, ‘83.

Talking about how everything ‘played out’, Saqib says, “So, ‘83 was announced with Ranveer Singh essaying Kapil Dev. One day, I just started wondering, ‘Who will play the then vice-captain, Mohinder Amarnath?’ My dad used to be a huge fan of Jimmy Amarnath. I spoke to my agency and they informed me that the makers were still looking for an actor to play his part. So, I reached out to Kabir (Khan, director) and requested him for a meeting. Over coffee, he asked me if I had ever played cricket. I didn’t want to oversell myself, so I told him, ‘Yes, a little’. The next day, they called me for cricket practice. That was the moment of truth for me. I met Balvinder Singh Sandhu, who was also a part of the ’83 World Cup team, and is a coach and consultant on the film. He asked me the same question, ‘Cricket khela hai tune?’ and I repeated myself, ‘Yes, a little.’ After that, his assistant coach bowled to me and I hit the ball all over the ground.”

Saqib says it’s destiny that he, who once lived and breathed cricket, got to play one of the architects of India’s biggest cricket glory. This is the same boy, who once suffered from an anxiety attack and had to be hospitalised, when his hero Tendulkar was dismissed early in the game. No doubt, playing Jimmy Amarnath brought back those emotions and the film’s shoot turned out to be an extremely evocative experience for him.

He shares, “It was surreal that all my life, I had wanted to become a cricketer and my wildest dreams came true in the most unexpected ways. I played cricket for my country, won the World Cup and was declared the man of the match, albeit for a scene. Imagine, we are standing on the balcony at the Lord’s, where no other film has ever been shot. And guess what Kabir said? ‘Guys, I forgot to tell you, we are shooting with the actual trophy that we won in 1983’. Then we saw three security guards and a woman walking in with the trophy, and we started crying. I was crying and so were Ranveer and Hardy (Sandhu, who plays Madan Lal). You see, for cricket lovers, ’83 transformed the way the world looked at India.”

Saqib, who grew up watching his father fanboy over Mohinder Jimmy Amarnath, even got to train with the cricketing legend to prepare for his role. Interestingly though, ’83 was not the first time Saqib met him. They first met during the making of Dishoom (2016), in which they shared screen space. Even though he thoroughly enjoyed the ace batsman’s stories about the victory of ’83 at that time, he probably couldn’t have imagined that he would soon be ‘re-living’ those stories himself. 

Saqib Saleem on playing Mohinder Amarnath to the actor’s Kapil Dev in Kabir Khan’s next
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 28, 2019)

For Saqib Saleem, who recently came on-board Kabir Khan’s ‘83 to play Mohinder Amarnath to Ranveer Singh’s Kapil Dev, the role is like a dream come true. “I captained my college cricket team in Delhi, and played the sport at state level. However, I later realised that I wasn’t good enough for the national level so I shifted my focus to other things,” he says, adding that playing the cricketer, who was Man of the Match after India’s historic 1983 World Cup win, is like life coming a full circle. “I worked with Mohinder Amarnath in (Rohit Dhawan’s 2015 action-comedy) Dishoom. I hadn’t imagined I’d get to play him in a film one day.”

When asked how the role came to him, Saqib admits that he reached out to Kabir when word got around about the film. “I requested him to cast me. He wanted to see my cricketing skills so I had to give a screen test,” he informs. He started training under former cricketer Balvinder Sandhu eight weeks ago. “We are working on the batting style, bowling action and trying to get the mannerisms right. The practice starts at 7.30 am, and the first person to reach the ground is our coach,” he smiles.

Training is expected to go on till the shooting begins in May. Saqib reveals that there is also a bonding exercise in store for the actors. “Even Ranveer is attending the training session. His focus is to get Kapil Dev’s bowling action right. He is leading from the front even during training, and I can say that he is doing it well.” 

Saqib Saleem on making his web debut with the crime drama and how the debacle of Race 3 affected him
Letty Mariam Abragam (MID-DAY; January 2, 2019)

How would you describe your journey in the industry?
When I came to the city, I had no idea that I harboured an interest in acting. I am a Delhi boy who came here for love. I was lucky to get my first break [Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge] within a year. By my third film, I realised this is what I wanted to do for a living. That’s when I took myself seriously. However, I lost my way somewhere in between. Barring Race 3, I have never been criticised for my work. It was the biggest film of my career; I had never faced so many cameras in my life or been exposed to so many journalists. While it did not satisfy me as an actor, I have no regrets about doing the film. When you get to work with Prem Bhai [Salman Khan], Mr India [Anil Kapoor], and Soldier [Bobby Deol], one can’t have regrets.

How did the debacle of Race 3 affect you?
I am a person who reads every review. For days, I couldn’t get out of my bed. My confidence was at an all-time low, and I began to question my skills. I was facing borderline depression, so much so that I stopped picking up my parents’ calls. When I did content-driven films, no one recognised me. When Race 3 happened, people were suddenly interested in my life. So, I thought commercial cinema was the way to go. But every film is a learning experience.

Why did you opt for Rangbaaz?
I was done playing hero, and Rangbaaz gave me the opportunity to showcase my acting skills. I loved the script and more importantly, the research material. I read it in one night and was ready to give my nod.

How difficult was it to play a character as distanced from you — Shivprakash Shukla, a gangster from Gorakhpur?
Mentally, I still haven’t let go of the character. I am scared to do so because I’ve loved the character. It’s like eating a beef burger where I just can’t have enough (laughs).

Do you empathise with your character?
I could not comprehend his sense of right and wrong. At times, I found myself judging him; but I realised if I did that, I wouldn’t be able to play him. His right and wrong became my right and wrong. I learnt the dialect and diction used in Gorakhpur. I didn’t feel anything for the character. He doesn’t feel sorry for himself, so why should I?

Lasyapriya Sundaram (BOMBAY TIMES; June 11, 2018)

Saqib Saleem is unaffected by the trappings of show business. Even though he has been an actor in the industry for close to seven years, he is still a huge Bollywood fanboy at heart. In a freewheeling chat with BT, the actor, who wants Race 3 to change the course of his career, talks about sharing screen space with Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan and Bobby Deol and why he will never let success go to his head. Excerpts...

Race 3 is the third instalment of a popular franchise starring some of the biggest names in Bollywood. Will being a part of a film like this change the course of your career?
Well, I would want Race 3 to change the course of my career, but whether that will happen is something which we will know only when the film releases. Main second gear mein gaadi chalaake thak gaya hoon. Jab tak aap gaadi ko chauthe ya paanchve gear mein nahi dalte, toh baat nahi banti. So, I am hoping Race 3 changes the gears in my career. Things happen overnight for some people, not everyone. The goal in my life is to grow and become better than before. I hope the way people perceive me changes after this film. I want the whole country to love me and I have no qualms in admitting it.

While the aspiration for stardom is something that you have developed recently, was cinema a childhood passion?
I am a kid who grew up watching mainstream Hindi films like Sholay, Satte Pe Satta and Mr India. I wouldn’t eat my food till I didn’t see ‘The End’ flashing on screen. I am a huge film buff. In those days, growing up in Delhi, we would get our information about the film industry from film magazines and I had a huge collection of that. But at no point did I think that I would be an actor. I was an admirer of Hindi cinema. I watched a lot of Hollywood and world cinema, but I would like to believe that I am an encyclopedia of Hindi films. Hum desi log hain, aur bachpan mein kisi ne Iranian picture nahi dikhayi. A lot of people ask me, if I aspire to do films in Hollywood. If I get a chance, I would love to. But I feel that I owe it to my upbringing and the cinema I grew up on, to achieve something first in our film industry, and then venture out. We have the best example in Priyanka Chopra. She is a legit star who has crossed over seamlessly. Aisa nahi hona chahiye ki Hollywood ki bus nikal rahi hai aur sab baith jao. That doesn’t make sense.

One of the films that you grew up on was Mr India and in Race 3,you are sharing screen space with Anil Kapoor. Life throws up a lot of surprises, doesn’t it?
I wasn’t intimidated or nervous about working with anybody in this film because I had met everyone earlier. In Race 3, the only person I was scared of working with was Anil Kapoor. I was on my toes trying to figure out how I can make him feel that I am a good actor. I wanted to impress him and I can say that unabashedly. I had already shot for about eight days before I shot with him. All I could think of was, how am I going to face the camera along with Mr India? I prepped a lot even though it was a simple scene. He was on the set before me, so I ran inside thinking that I can’t make a senior actor like him wait. As soon as he saw me, he gave me a hug and complimented me about how good I was looking. That put me at ease immediately and also calmed me down. There is a scene in the film's climax where there is Mr India (Anil Kapoor) to my left, Prem (Salman Khan) to my right and Soldier (Bobby Deol) in front of me. All I could think then was, how did I get here (laughs!)? It was surreal. In my head, I am still a middle-class Delhi boy and I can’t get over the fact that I am an actor.

Despite growing up on a dose of commercial Hindi cinema, you didn’t shy away from experimenting with your choice of roles. In your third film, Bombay Talkies (anthology of short films), you played a gay character. Were you apprehensive about its reception, when you chose to play that role?
When I was offered that role, I did say ‘No’ to it. I wasn’t sure I was that evolved. I come from an orthodox Muslim family. I was wondering mummy-papa kya bolenge if I kiss a guy on screen. From day one, there was a kiss in the film. I thought my parents would be uncomfortable; I thought I will hold back and won’t do the role with conviction. But then I met Karan (Johar, director) for the first time in my life and he gave me a narration. He was so convinced and clear about what he was making that I realised that I would be a fool if I didn't do the film. I was getting the chance to be in a film directed by one of the biggest directors in the country, share screen space with one of the biggest stars, Rani Mukerji, act opposite a superb actor like Randeep Hooda and also be in a film that was celebrating 100 years of cinema — what was there not to say yes. If I choose roles based on the sexuality of my characters, I am not a true actor. I cannot be stereotyped. I want to do all kinds of films and roles. I am discovering myself by being part of varied films. In fact, this film was instrumental in making me realise that I really loved being in front of the camera.

Given the fact that you come from a non-film background, did showbiz demand a change in your mindset and way of life?
My parents and my friends help in keeping me grounded. My parents are unaffected by what my sister Huma (Qureshi) and I do in our professional lives. The conversation between them and me is not about how much a film has made at the box office. But, I do have that kind of conversations with Huma. So, I lead a balanced life. I have had too many people telling me that success is difficult to handle. I tell them that they should ask someone who has experienced failure about the importance of success. I have had a few flops and that’s why I understand what success means. Hence, I know that I will not let success go to my head.

On another note, are you in a relationship with anyone?
I am single till I get married and marriage is not happening any time soon.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; June 4, 2018)

He was 19 when he saw Race and at that time Saqib Saleem never dreamed he will be an actor, forget being a part of the third part of the franchise! So, starting from a small film like Mujshe Fraaandship Karoge to a big-budgeted Race 3, it’s a huge leap for the actor. Needless to mention, there is a lot riding on the movie top lined by Salman Khan. “I am banking a lot on it, to be honest. Every film is important for an actor but for me Race 3 means a lot. It is the biggest film I have done so far. People should not only enjoy it, but also like me,” he admits candidly.

Besides, it will see him in an action avatar for the first time. “Yes, it’s a different kind of film for me. I have never done action, so I had to do action training — kicking and punching workshops, jumps, flips, etc! It was an experience in itself because the last time maine kick maari thi woh shayad school mein thi,” laughs the actor. He also underwent a complete physical transformation, working out rigorously and following a strict diet. “The franchise is about looking good and glamorous — it’s a stylish film, so one has to make sure that if you are in Race, you have to blend into it and look the part. I had to get a ripped body for which I really worked hard,” he says. And, he got an opportunity to showcase his physique. Salman made Saqib go shirtless for a scene! “Yes, there was a sequence which he designed in such a way that I had to remove my shirt. But that was supposed to happen on a beach, so it made sense,” shrugs Saqib. Was it the first time he went shirtless on screen and he clarifies, “No, I have done it in some of my other films, but those probably didn’t reach out to many people. However, with a movie like Race 3 you know it reaches out to everybody in the country. So, yes it puts me out there, I need to make this (film) count.”   

Going ahead, does he see himself fitting into the mould of action entertainers. “Till now, I have dabbled in different genres because I want to see what all I want to do. I have not found my specific calling as such in terms of genre, so I am also figuring out,” he says. But he points out that he enjoyed doing action. “The first scene I shot for the film in Mumbai involved action. It was tricky for me, but once I got into the groove I was fine. I am looking forward to the opening scene of the film, which is action-packed,” he smiles. 

Has he put the failure of his last release Dil Juunglee behind him? “I have been a sportsperson, a state-level cricketer. I have the competitive streak inside me. It’s not important how many times you fall, it’s important that you get up every single time and figure it out. One bad Friday, one bad film doesn’t change anything. One has to believe in oneself and not lose hope,” he signs off.

Lasyapriya Sundaram (BOMBAY TIMES; March 3, 2018)

In seven years in the industry, Saqib Saleem has chosen to be part of films that have not just earned rave reviews but have also raked in the numbers at the box office. In a candid chat with BT, the actor, who will soon be seen in Dil Juunglee, talks about how a middle-class Delhi boy earned a ticket to Bollywood and why an actor needs to strike a balance between masala entertainers and serious cinema. Excerpts...

You’ve spent seven years in Bollywood… how do you look back at the journey?
Had I not been an actor, I would have been counting cash at my father’s restaurant or supervising activities in the kitchen. I did it for a year when I was in college. I put on 10 kgs and then it hit me that I couldn’t do that anymore. I was single and I wanted attention from girls. They were obviously not looking at me because my belly was not where it was supposed to be. Though my father has been in the restaurant business for close to 50 years, I couldn’t see myself doing it. I came to Mumbai because I was in love with a girl. I told my parents that I am going there to take care of Huma (Qureshi), but when I finally landed, I didn’t meet Huma for months (laughs).

How did your family take to your choice of career?
The last film my father saw before he saw me on the big screen was Mughal-E-Azam. Whatever I have achieved in the industry is something I consider to be amazing. Also, I am the younger sibling and Huma paved the way for me. She always took the bullet.

From your choice of films — whether it’s Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge or Dil Juunglee — it looks like you want to do content-driven films and not just commercial entertainers...
I don’t think it’s right to define films as commercial or art house. What’s important is that a film evokes a certain emotion when it’s being watched. Whether it is a Mere Dad Ki Maruti or Hawaa Hawaai, both films did decent numbers and were appreciated by the critics too. I want to ensure that films provide entertainment, but at the same time are content-driven. I am not the guy who can get a Rs 10 crore opening at the box-office because I have not reached that stage in my career. Whenever people see me on screen, I want them to feel that I am making an effort and pushing the envelope. I remember heading to watch Dabangg at Chandan Cinema during Eid when I landed in Mumbai from Delhi. The kind of hysteria I saw surrounding a Salman Khan film was something I had not witnessed before. That’s where I want to be. I want to get mobbed and want people to see me as the guy who they can’t get enough of.

But if you want to be a star, you will have to work in the typical masala entertainers...
One of the actor’s whose work I admire is Aamir Khan. His repertoire of films makes me jealous. When I am 50, I want other actors to look at my work and feel the same way. As an actor it’s very easy to stay in one’s cocoon. One is surrounded by managers and publicists and they could create a fictional world around you. I disconnect from that world from time-to-time, I spend a week in Delhi with my friends and get a reality check. I have always been a late bloomer. I enjoy the process and the journey more than just wanting to reach the destination. Being on a film set is better than eating the mutton biryani my mother makes!

How difficult was it for you to make inroads into the industry?
In any field, people want to work with those who they know and trust. It’s the same in the Hindi film industry. They might know you because of what you portray on screen, but you need to have a personal connection with everybody around you. I am a people’s person and it comes naturally to me.

What’s your say on people coming out and sharing their experiences with sexual harassment, both in Hollywood and Bollywood?
Those who’ve faced sexual assault should speak up. The more we talk about it, the lesser it will happen. The conversations could act as a deterrent and that’s a good thing. Also, if you really like somebody, be a man and woo that person. Don’t be a lech. There is absolutely no fun in being a stalker. Let’s begin by respecting women.

You’ll be seen in the third instalment of the Race franchise...
It’s the biggest film of my career. When I am working with actors like Salman Khan and Anil Kapoor, it encourages me to up my game. By working in a film like Race 3, I’m only going to enhance my status as an actor. I am getting the opportunity to reach out to a large audience because I am part of a film that stars Salman Khan.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; February 9, 2018)

With the eclectic mix of films that he has done so far, which includes Dishoom, Dobaara: See Your Evil, Hawaa Hawaai and Bombay Talkies, it’s hard to tell that Saqib Saleem has a wicked sense of humour. However, in a fun chat with After Hrs, he shows his quirky side. The actor, who will be seen next in Dil Juunglee, admits that he has no qualms taking potshots at himself and the place he hails from ­­— New Delhi. He also talks about his cute chemistry with co-star Taapsee Pannu and the jungliest thing that he has ever done.

FROM REAL TO REEL
Being a Delhite and growing up in Lajpat Nagar, Saqib Saleem took to his screen character Sumit Uppal like a fish takes to water. It’s a world he relates to completely. “I have seen a real-life Sumit Uppal, or rather a guy like him who is fascinated with going to the gym, making those abs and checking himself out in the mirror every single time after eating. He’s a wannabe actor. If you are from Delhi, you will know that almost any guy, who is 6 feet tall, goes to the gym and thinks he can be an actor. In my radar, he is a fool,” smiles the 29-year-old. Does he count himself also in that? “Definitely, I’m one! I still think by going to the gym and making those abs, I will be a big actor,” he laughs. In fact, it was the film’s fun quotient that drew Saqib. “When I read the script, I thought it will show a side of my personality which the audience hasn’t seen yet. I’ll get a chance to do what I want khulke. This is one role where honestly, I did not have to prepare at all. I played on my spontaneity,” he says.

Saqib says his character in the rom-com is lovable but a little flawed. “He’s not a bad guy, but selfish. He wants to come across as a good guy — the mix of his vulnerability and selfishness was what clinched it for me,” he adds. Going forward, Saqib wants to play characters that are flawed. “Nobody is perfect. I’ve made tons of mistake but if you learn from them, that’s progress,” he philosophises.

DELHI CONNECT
Ask him about the chemistry he shares with Taapsee (Pannu), and he says that it was their Delhi connection that played a big role. “We met for the first time for a music video and hit it off from the word go. I think it was the Delhi humour that got us together. We shared similar kinds of jokes and bonded over food,” Saqib says. Interestingly, the video was directed by Aleya Sen, Sharma who is helming the film. “I think the music video was an unsaid audition,” he laughs. “Aleya thought Taapsee and I share a good chemistry and cast us in Dil Juunglee,” he adds.

FRIENDS AT PLAY
While the film is a love story between Saqib and Taapsee’s characters, their friends play an important part in it, too. “Yes, it’s a journey of five friends. It has the vibe of first love, which is immature but sweet. It’s also about how the definition of love keeps changing in your life and the way your best friends influence you in that. While shooting for the rom-com, we ideated together. Everybody was on the same page, so no one overshadowed the other,” he explains.

CHAHE KOI MUJHE JUNGLEE KAHE
So, what’s the jungliest thing he has done in life? He replies, “I’m so junglee that I sometimes have to be told not to cross the line.” Saqib reveals that the jungliest thing he has ever done was to propose his former girlfriend in a filmi way. “I filled the room with heart-shaped balloons, bought champagne and recorded a music tape. While one side had romantic songs that I had sung for her, the other side had the original tracks. I made a collage of our pictures and wrote a poem, too. Actually, I came to Mumbai for her, not to become an actor. However, that didn’t work out, so I became an actor,” chuckles Saqib.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; January 31, 2018)

Saqib Saleem, who will be seen playing the lead role in Dil Juunglee opposite Taapsee Pannu, is full of praise for Rajkummar Rao and Ayushmann Khurrana. “Usually heroes are perfect, and they can do no wrong, but Rajkummar and Ayushmann excel in playing the flawed heroes,” says Saqib. He also wants to essay characters that are less than perfect, have some incapability or are negative. “It is more fun to play such personalities than portraying heroes who are perfect,” he quips.

Rajkummar, he says,  was “stupendous” in Bareilly Ki Barfi. “He got to play two characters and Rajkummar did them both convincingly. I can’t imagine anybody else doing it. When I see some films I feel ‘Main bhi ise aise hi karta’, but when I see Rajkummar I feel I can’t do what he has done. He had a wonderful year in 2017 with films like Newton, Bareilly Ki Barfi, Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana and Trapped. He has really worked hard to reach where he is today. He started with Love, Sex Aur Dhoka, had a small role in Talaash, did Gangs Of Wasseypur and with time his stature went up, so much so that he has become a successful box-office bet. His journey is so inspiring,” gushes Saqib.

Ayushmann, according to Saqib, is a very good actor, but underrated. “Whether it was Shubh Mangal Saavdhan or Bareilly Ki Barfi, he has been the flawed hero. In the latter, he was a selfish bully, but he played it with honesty and in a humane way,” says Saqib in praise of his friend.

The actor sees himself in the same space as Rajkummar and Ayushmann. “I am a content-driven actor, I am not the guy who will give a Rs 100-crore film. People are not dying to watch me in a film, but give me decent content and I promise you I will put my heart and soul into it. I am still finding my journey,” he signs off.