Showing posts with label Tanuj Virwani interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tanuj Virwani interview. Show all posts
Entering the world of OTT was a last resort to prove myself-Tanuj Virwani
8:36 AM
Kanksha Vasavada (BOMBAY TIMES; July 19, 2023)
On how he deals with pressure of being a star kid
There has always been pressure to live up to the name and legacy created by my mother, Rati Agnihotri, especially when I started my career. I have often been referred to as a 'Nepo Kid,' which I have never liked because my journey has been very different. My mother was not in the industry for a long time before I entered films, so it would be unfair to say that I had easy access to opportunities. However, I am glad that things are changing now. I am being recognised and cast based on my previous projects, not solely because I am my mother's son
On his mother being his biggest critic
My mother (Rati Agnihotri) is my biggest critic. She watches all my shows and films, and there have been instances where my character is loved by the audience, but my mother would be unhappy. She points out the tiniest elements that I might need to improve. And if she loves my performance, she appreciates it wholeheartedly. Actor-to-actor communication is very helpful, especially when she has so much experience that comes in handy for me
On his interest in writing and direction
I never envisioned myself becoming an actor. I was overweight and had a severe stammer, which led me to believe that I could excel in behind-the-scenes roles. So, I began working as an assistant director in movies and also wrote and directed short films. Even now, I hold onto the hope that someday I can unleash my untapped potential in storytelling and direction
On his shift from films to OTT
Entering the world of OTT was not a conscious decision for me; rather, it was somewhat of a last resort to prove myself. Despite having done three films—Luv U Soniyo (2013), Purani Jeans (2014), and One Night Stand (2016)—I was still not getting offered interesting roles. Then, unexpectedly, OTT emerged as a viable option. Back in 2016-17, this medium was not as significant as it is now. However, I consider myself fortunate to have secured projects like Inside Edge, Code M, and Cartel in the initial years, which helped me maintain relevance within the OTT realm. Presently, I aspire to take another leap and reintroduce myself to the film industry, aiming for a successful career in both domains. Several projects are in the pipeline, and I hope to conclude this year on a high note
On his love for experimenting with roles
Each project has its own process, sometimes you play with your physique or your voice depending on the character. I focus a lot on how my character should look, because I believe if the look is correct half of your battle is won. Experimenting with your character is most important for any actor, otherwise you can keep on doing the same kind of role and that’s not what I like to do. For instance, as Vayu in Inside Edge I have paced up my speech since the character is like that, and in Cartel as Major Bhau, I have brought the thehraav that my character needs. Moreover, it is important to enjoy the process, and if you fail during experimenting it’s fine, not every dart sticks to the board, at least 1 out of 10 will
When you're working on a film, you know it will have a theatrical release, appealing to the masses and potentially eliciting varied responses. However, in the case of OTT, each streaming platform caters to a distinct audience base. This understanding helps in choosing the right projects and bringing your character to life in a way that doesn't disappoint the viewers.
I believe in staying true to the roles I select because it's easy for the audience to detect fake acting. I learned early in my career the saying, ‘You start acting when you stop acting,’ and this realization came to me when I had the opportunity to work with actors like Kay Kay Menon and Vijay Raaz. Being as authentic as possible on screen is what the audience loves.
Akshay Oberoi and I have decided to do at least one show together every year-Tanuj Virwani
8:50 AM
With six releases in the year, Tanuj Virwani on why the third edition of Inside Edge was special as well as gruelling for him
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; December 21, 2021)
He had as many as six releases this year, including The Tattoo Murders, Illegal 2 and Inside Edge 3. For Tanuj Virwani, the biggest high was reprising his role of Vayu in the cricket-based series. Connecting with mid-day from the Badlapur set of his next with Kay Kay Menon, the actor discusses the gruelling prep that went behind the series, and his Bollywood aspirations.
Edited excerpts from the interview:
You’ve had six releases this year. Are you happy with the outcome?
It would be unfair to say I am happy with the outcome of each [series]. Certain projects turned out to be in sync with my expectations, others not so much. However, as an actor, there’s only so much I can control. This line-up was not by design. The Tattoo Murders, Cartel and Inside Edge 3 had been shot earlier, but were released this year.
You’re well-versed in cricket. But playing Test cricket matches for Inside Edge 3 must have been a different experience.
In the first season, we shot predominantly at night when the weather was cooler. But to be authentic, we shot the Test matches in about 40 degrees in Pune. In Test matches, you use the ball for a much longer period, and as the ball gets older, it becomes softer, making it harder to hit. I was scared the first few days while filming those sequences because Karan [Anshuman] and the direction team decided to ramp up the cricket scenes. They got players from Ranji and Kanga league; some of those bowlers were going at it [like crazy].
How many hours of cricket did you play for the series?
In the first season, Vayu faces about 22 balls; in season two, I had about 45 balls, and for the third, I faced 10-odd balls that were shown on camera. For the latest season, our DoP [director of photography] was particular that certain portions couldn’t be shot once we lost the sun. So, we would start in the morning, break from 12 pm to 2.30 pm. During that period, we would shoot scenes in the stands or the dressing room. Post that, we’d go back on the field. But post-lunch, it used to become difficult to pick up [the pace] again. I am 35, I am not exactly a spring chicken. To pick up exactly where we left off was demanding.
This season introduced Akshay Oberoi as your nemesis, but off camera, you two hit it off.
Firstly, you have to give it to Akshay for his hard work. I would not even imagine taking up this character if I couldn’t play cricket. The first time I met him was during the cricket training camp. It was love at first sight [laughs]. The poor guy was so cute, he couldn’t even hold the bat. I loved his work in Pizza [2014] and Gurgaon [2017], but this was going to be brutal. He barely got one-and-a-half months to prepare. We got along so well in real life that we were able to sell our rivalry on screen. We have decided to do at least one show together every year.
Have you been offered similar roles after Inside Edge?
After the first season released in 2017, I only got bad boy roles. At the time, I knew we would have a second season. I thought if I keep doing this, I will become a one-trick pony. So, I had to be brave enough to say no.
Now that you’re on a strong footing in the OTT world, do you feel this popularity will translate into more movies?
I set out to be a film actor. I would be lying if I said I am happy to stay in the OTT space. I want to do both because you can’t recreate what happens on the silver screen on a laptop or TV. There is something magical about going to the theatres. I am working on a few films, which will hopefully be theatrical releases.
Virwani with Akshay Oberoi
This schedule of Inside Edge was the most gruelling ever; we shot in peak summers-Tanuj Virwani
7:53 AM
Tanuj Virwani on sustaining injuries during training camps and shoot of the third instalment of Inside Edge
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 4, 2021)
Two seasons and an Emmy nomination later, the third edition of Amazon Prime Video’s Inside Edge is back with Tanuj Virwani playing cricketer Vayu Raghavan. While the first two instalments centred around IPL and Mumbai Mavericks — a fictitious team playing in T20 — the latest season will focus on test cricket. Promising to stay true to the game, Virwani says, “Maintaining authenticity has been a prerogative for the makers.”
It is mandatory to prep extensively before the camera rolls. To get into the zone of playing test matches, Virwani attended training camps. “This schedule of Inside Edge was the most gruelling ever. We shot during the peak of summer, when temperatures ranged from 40 to 42 degrees. It takes longer to film a test match, which is played over five days. The process was physically [and mentally] draining,” says the actor, who now has a better understanding of the expectations made from a professional player.
During the shoot and while playing with the hand stitched cricket ball, Virwani often sustained injuries, but he says the pain was worth the effort. “I have hurt my rib-cage, neck and even received a scary blow to my helmet. But when the tricolour flag unfurled and the National Anthem played in the background to indicate the beginning of the India vs Pakistan clash in the show, the feeling I had transcended acting.”
Ek Duuje Ke Liye is an evergreen love story, we felt it should be remade-Tanuj Virwani
8:19 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; July 9, 2021)
Tanuj says, “Ek Duuje Ke Liye was a super hit film. It is an evergreen love story and a few years ago, we felt that it should be remade, so we bought the rights. The plan to remake it was in process, but I got busy with my OTT projects. As of now, the plan to make Ek Duuje Ke Liye 2 is on hold, but we plan to make it someday.”
Given his interest in remaking the film, it comes as a surprise when the actor says that he is not in favour of remaking cult movies. He says, “Honestly, I am not a fan of remakes. When a film becomes a big hit, it should be left alone. Unless you really have a great script, one should not tamper with it. I remember how a masterpiece like Shaukeen directed by the legendary Basu Chatterjee, which had my mother in an important role along with Mithun Chakraborty, Utpal Dutt and Ashok Kumar, was a big hit. Then it was remade (as The Shaukeens) and my mother had a cameo in it. While it was a good effort, I preferred the original film.”
Ask Tanuj if he is apprehensive about being compared to his mother and Kamal Haasan if he were to feature as a lead in the remake and he says, “Comparisons are a natural thing and bound to happen. Earlier, when I used to go for auditions, people knew me as Rati Agnihotri’s son and would compare me to my mother. If we remake the film, it is important that audiences connect with the script because content has changed a lot in the past 30 years and audiences’ tastes have changed, too.”
After Akshara Haasan’s pictures were leaked online in 2018, we stopped talking to each other-Tanuj Virwani
7:58 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; May 25, 2021)
Tanuj says, “I had met Akshara on an outdoor shoot in Kullu Manali, when she had accompanied her mother, actress Sarika ji. We became friends and there was a mutual connection. She is a lovely girl and I really liked her. We were together for four years, but after a point, we realised that it was not working out. We decided to mutually part ways without any drama. I think one of the things that went wrong for us was being open about our relationship in public. We had no qualms about discussing our relationship openly. We believed in being honest about it, which eventually backfired. Now, I have realised that it’s better not to talk about our private lives and let our work speak for us.”
He adds, “Before the pictures got leaked in 2018, we were cordial and used to greet each other warmly at public functions. But after the pictures got leaked, we have completely stopped being in touch. The pictures were leaked through a messenger app from a computer and not through a phone. At that time, when the pictures were taken in 2013, we did not understand the power of technology and weren’t aware of how pictures get stored on the server. Now, both the incident and my relationship with Akshara are a thing of the past. Having said that, I have fond memories of our relationship. After our breakup, I moved on and had a few girlfriends, but I have learnt not to speak about my private life anymore.”
So, what does he look for in a partner? “More than anything, your partner needs to be your best friend. You may not like everything about them (and vice versa), but one needs to make adjustments and compromises. I also believe in unconditional love – regardless of fights or issues, you need to love your partner and family always,” he adds.
The name of the series is The Tattoo Murders only in India; in other countries, it released as Kamathipura-Tanuj Virwani
8:02 AM
After playing an all-black antagonist in The Tattoo Murders, Tanuj Virwani says he wants to attempt a full-fledged comedy
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; May 18, 2021)
He is a star son, but Tanuj Virwani takes pride in having paved his own way in the big, bad world of showbiz. The actor is enjoying the reactions to two back-to-back projects in The Tattoo Murders that sees him as a ruthless baddie, and Murders Meri Jaan. In a candid chat with mid-day, Virwani talks about playing the antagonist for the first time in the Tattoo Murders and his desire to attempt comedy after a spate of serious roles.
Edited excerpts from the interview.
Why was the series’ name changed from Kamathipura?
Some sections of the society had a problem with the title. They thought we were depicting Kamathipura and the sex workers in a negative light, which is not true. To avoid controversies, Disney+ Hotstar decided to change the title to The Tattoo Murders. However, the name is only changed in India; it dropped in other countries as Kamathipura.
Is it risky to take up the role of an antagonist when you’ve yet to establish yourself as a leading man?
Digital entertainment gives you freedom to take such risks. Luckily, my line-up of projects includes hero-centric and massy projects, so I didn’t mind dabbling in this. I often attempt different characters and see how people respond to them. When you are fronting a project, there is a lot more responsibility on you. In The Tattoo Murders, the principal character is played by Meera Chopra. [The creative freedom due to lack of pressure] allowed me to give a more gutsy performance. Unlike in Inside Edge, there is a box, and I must operate within it.
What drew you to this project?
After wrapping up Code M, I was in the midst of Inside Edge 3 and was to follow it up with Cartel. With all these shows, the onus [of their success] lay on me. So, I wanted to do something different. I liked the narration of The Tattoo Murders, and where my character eventually ends up. I look up to George Clooney and Brad Pitt — they are popular because they are leading actors as well as the world’s best character actors. They will shine bright, no matter whether they are in an ensemble drama or solo project. That’s the kind of balance I want in my career.
Tell us about your other series, Murder Meri Jaan.
It’s a detective drama with a mix of rom-com. I essay the role of a serious poker-faced ACP — almost like Abhishek Bachchan from Dhoom — who is chasing a con girl who has lured over 19 men into a fake marriage, and ran away with their money. I fall in love with her without realising that she is the culprit I’ve been chasing. It was shot over a start-to-finish schedule in Bhopal.
Are you getting typecast with dark, serious roles?
Mumbai Meri Jaan is lighter in tone compared to the other projects I am doing. I see it as my holiday project where I can have fun with my character. I want to try an out-and-out comedy because I enjoy the genre and have never got the chance to attempt it. I hope I get more such opportunities in the future. My mother [Rati Agnihotri] is concerned about my dark roles. She complains, ‘People are dying or killing or using drugs in every [series]. We never did all this’. I keep telling her that I am the product of the times we live in.
Every marriage goes through problems; I am glad that my parents have resolved all their issues-Tanuj Virwani
8:17 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; April 2, 2021)
Rati’s son, actor Tanuj Virwani said, “It has been a year since I saw my mother. My father and I have been living without her for a long time now. The problem is not with her travelling back, but the authorities are not allowing her pet to travel back with her. He is a small pocket dog and they are not allowing him in the hand luggage either. My mother is quite attached to her pet and does not want to return without him. Since Poland does not have many Coronavirus cases, she is busy tending to the eateries that she has set up there. But we want her to come back now. There are a new set of rules even for pets once they land in India. They have to quarantine separately and we intend to follow the rules. But, as of now, my mother will remain in Poland till we find a way for Stuart Little to travel back with her.”
Years ago, the Ek Duuje Ke Liye actress had opened up about the domestic abuse she endured in her marriage and had also filed a complaint with the police against her husband Anil Virwani. Recounting how those traumatic days are behind them, Tanuj said, “We live in a nuclear family and I grew up as a single child. Those days, I felt that there were bleak chances of my parents getting together, because I had seen everything first-hand and I knew the truth. But now, I am glad that my parents have resolved all their issues. Every marriage goes through ups and downs. I am just relieved that those things are sorted now and we are a happy family, who stay and holiday together. My mother has withdrawn her police complaint.” He added, “Whether it is your parents, siblings or children, people have to love each other in spite of anything. I am happy that my parents were able to iron out their differences. We are all much happier now.”
I had Akshara Haasan’s private pictures, but I deleted them in 2013-Tanuj Virwani
8:21 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; November 17, 2018)
Akshara Haasan, daughter of actor and politician Kamal Haasan, filed a police complaint on Sunday stating that her private photographs were leaked on the internet. She also informed the police that she had no idea who was behind the act. Apparently, Tanuj Virwani, veteran actress Rati Agnihotri’s son, was the only one with whom Akshara had shared these pictures, according to Versova police.
Akshara and Tanuj were in a relationship before they broke up in 2016. While Tanuj had earlier denied the possession of such photos, the actor, in an exclusive chat with BT, revealed that he actually had the pictures, but he’s not the one responsible for the leak. Excerpts...
In a report published recently, you denied that you had Akshara Haasan’s leaked photos...No, I think I was misinterpreted in that media report. I was shooting when I got a call from someone asking me about the pictures and at that point, I did not know what to say — yes, no or nothing at all! So, I denied having possession of those photos. I dated Akshara for four years (2013-2017) and during that time, like most couples, we shared our pictures. She had also shared some of her private photos with me, but I had deleted them at that time. Also, when someone called me up, I didn’t find it right to accept that I had those pictures. I did it out of chivalry. I strongly feel that the private affairs of a couple are not for public consumption. But today, after reading what has been published, I feel that my involvement in the episode has been blown out of proportion. So, I need to clarify things.
So, are you now saying that you had those pictures?
Yes, I had those pictures, but I don’t possess them anymore. I deleted them in 2013 and whether it is Akshara or anyone else, I am careful and conscious about these things. I never upload such stuff or send it out on email. It is an unnecessary risk to have such data on your phone, because both of us belong to the entertainment industry and it can harm us if the phone ends up in the wrong hands.
Akshara told the police that she had shared those pictures with a close friend. That friend is you...
That’s correct. She is referring to me, because we were in a relationship back then. Akshara and I have been in touch with each other even after the break-up. So, when this incident happened on November 2, Akshara already knew that she would have my full co-operation. I have the highest regards for her.
When did you meet Akshara for the first time?
Akshara and I have many common friends. We met in 2013 and hit it off well. It is too personal to discuss why we broke up, but she is a sweet person. We may not be together today, but there was no bad blood when we broke up. We continued being friends even after we split. She knows that she can pick up the phone and call me even now. She had informed me that she was filing an FIR and that’s the right thing to do. The police have to get to the bottom of this and find out who is responsible.
Have you approached the police?
I haven’t informed them because nobody has reached out to me. If they do, I will co-operate. If I was involved, she would have taken my name or accused me, but she hasn’t.
------------------------------
After his name surfaces in Akshara Haasan's leaked picture case, Tanuj promises support in the investigation
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 17, 2018)
Days after Akshara Haasan filed a police complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell seeking an investigation into her private photos being leaked online, her former boyfriend Tanuj Virwani's name has surfaced in the matter. The initial probe by the police indicated that Haasan had shared the photos with him in 2013.
While reports suggested that Virwani denied that he was ever in possession of the said photos, the actor told mid-day, "Akshara and I dated from 2013 to 2017. During that period, we would exchange pictures, some of which were intimate ones. I have sent her my pictures as well. It was between two consenting adults. So, I had received the pictures [in question]."
Virwani further claimed that he had deleted the images "immediately. I have switched two handsets since the pictures were received. Neither of the handsets had those pictures on them. Also, as a habit, I immediately delete any sensitive picture that I receive. So, there was no trace of it and there was no back-up as I find iCloud unsafe."
The actor added that he extended his complete support to Haasan as soon as he learnt of the case. "I understand how I end up looking like the bad guy. But if that was the case, Akshara would have called me out. While filing the FIR, when the cops asked her who was in possession of the pictures, she said I was. There is nothing to lie about here. We were dating and continued to be friends after we broke up. She knows she has my co-operation in this case.
I have been in touch with her since the pictures were leaked. I assured her that this too will pass." Virwani is likely to be questioned by the police in the next few days. "I have nothing to hide. We both know the truth. I hope the hacker is brought to task."
I have had one-night stands while in college-Tanuj Virwani
7:46 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; April 6, 2016)
It might be easy to presume
that acting is just a hobby for Tanuj Virwani. After all, the
29-year-old, who is the son of actress Rati Agnihotri, hails from an
affluent background. But when you meet him, his earnest attitude and
desire to succeed dispel these notions. He displays maturity as he
speaks of his past failures and his parents' turbulent relationship. In a
heart-to-heart chat with BT, he talks about playing peacemaker between
the two and why his upcoming film One Night Stand is crucial for his
career.
How difficult was it to cope with the struggles of being an actor, especially since you come from a well-to-do background?
I am a single child who has always been pampered by his parents. I have the advantage of not rushing into a decision and signing a film. But that's where it ends. The struggle is still there. I sat at home for eight months after my second film, Purani Jeans, didn't do well. I gave auditions but nothing was working out. I felt life was cruel but I had to let the dust settle. It was extremely frustrating as I am career oriented and have the hunger to do well. My mom told me that I should never sign a film for the wrong reason, no matter how long I have to wait. She said, 'You can't disown a film, so be proud of what you do'.
It's been a year since the news of your parents' alleged separation surfaced.
They haven't separated. Mom was going to file for a divorce but she didn't. My parents took some time off from their marriage to work out their differences and now, they are very much together.
Your mother had accused your father of domestic violence.
I don't want to get into details because it's a 'he said, she said' situation. As a son, I cannot say what they should or shouldn't have done. At that point, I had to be a mediator and a pillar of strength for both of them. Having said that, I cannot take credit for sorting out their differences as they are twice my age. Things are a lot better now. In fact, we went to Lonavala a few months ago to celebrate their anniversary.
Did that phase make you grow overnight?
When the news surfaced, I was away for a shoot. It was a difficult time and it affected me deeply. As a child, you are shielded by your parents from the harsh realities of life. So, when they are facing any issues, we have to take charge. It's tough because they become more rigid and childish as they grow old. I think in the past one year, I have grown a lot as an individual.
Has it changed your perception towards marriage?
All of us have to chart our individual paths in our lives. I would like to believe that whatever I have seen doesn't have a negative impact on my life. I have to stay positive.
Your upcoming film, One Night Stand, stars Sunny Leone. Do you think her presence ensures visibility to the project?
Yes, it's a big plus. You need a saleable star to draw the audience to watch the film. I make no bones about the fact that I am not a star, so if I have to piggyback on someone else's success to get noticed in a film, I don't have a problem.
The topic is morally unacceptable to many. Were you apprehensive about it?
Unless you are rubbing someone the wrong way, you are not doing your job right. You have to have a reaction to something, whether it's positive or negative. As far as the name of the film is concerned, the makers have made a smart decision. When you have a title like One Night Stand and a film that stars Sunny Leone, it will grab eyeballs. The crux of the film is what happens post a one-night stand and the damage it does to individuals and families.
Have you had one-night stands?
I have had one-night stands while in college. Personally, I have nothing against them but in the longer run, it's not the way ahead, especially if you are in a relationship or married. Priorities change. I think all of us go through this phase.
So you don't consider it to be a taboo?
Absolutely not. If it works for both parties who are we to judge.
How was it working with Sunny?
I used to call her Funny Leone on set because she has a deadpan sense of humour, which many people don't get. I found it hilarious and refreshing. We would chat and crack jokes.
Did you have a certain image of her in mind before you met her?
I was a little intimidated by her as she is a star. But she was extremely caring. I am a foodie but had to diet as I had to go shirtless for a few scenes in this film. She suggested that I should at least eat some fish.
Were you nervous during the love-making scenes?
I was a bundle of nerves. People would ask me if it was fun and I would say there are 50 people on set and a DOP is giving you instructions. It's mechanical but it has to look sensual. Sunny made me feel comfortable during the scenes. If people like me in this film, the credit should go to her and our director Jasmine Moses D'Souza.
How difficult was it to cope with the struggles of being an actor, especially since you come from a well-to-do background?
I am a single child who has always been pampered by his parents. I have the advantage of not rushing into a decision and signing a film. But that's where it ends. The struggle is still there. I sat at home for eight months after my second film, Purani Jeans, didn't do well. I gave auditions but nothing was working out. I felt life was cruel but I had to let the dust settle. It was extremely frustrating as I am career oriented and have the hunger to do well. My mom told me that I should never sign a film for the wrong reason, no matter how long I have to wait. She said, 'You can't disown a film, so be proud of what you do'.
It's been a year since the news of your parents' alleged separation surfaced.
They haven't separated. Mom was going to file for a divorce but she didn't. My parents took some time off from their marriage to work out their differences and now, they are very much together.
Your mother had accused your father of domestic violence.
I don't want to get into details because it's a 'he said, she said' situation. As a son, I cannot say what they should or shouldn't have done. At that point, I had to be a mediator and a pillar of strength for both of them. Having said that, I cannot take credit for sorting out their differences as they are twice my age. Things are a lot better now. In fact, we went to Lonavala a few months ago to celebrate their anniversary.
Did that phase make you grow overnight?
When the news surfaced, I was away for a shoot. It was a difficult time and it affected me deeply. As a child, you are shielded by your parents from the harsh realities of life. So, when they are facing any issues, we have to take charge. It's tough because they become more rigid and childish as they grow old. I think in the past one year, I have grown a lot as an individual.
Has it changed your perception towards marriage?
All of us have to chart our individual paths in our lives. I would like to believe that whatever I have seen doesn't have a negative impact on my life. I have to stay positive.
Your upcoming film, One Night Stand, stars Sunny Leone. Do you think her presence ensures visibility to the project?
Yes, it's a big plus. You need a saleable star to draw the audience to watch the film. I make no bones about the fact that I am not a star, so if I have to piggyback on someone else's success to get noticed in a film, I don't have a problem.
The topic is morally unacceptable to many. Were you apprehensive about it?
Unless you are rubbing someone the wrong way, you are not doing your job right. You have to have a reaction to something, whether it's positive or negative. As far as the name of the film is concerned, the makers have made a smart decision. When you have a title like One Night Stand and a film that stars Sunny Leone, it will grab eyeballs. The crux of the film is what happens post a one-night stand and the damage it does to individuals and families.
Have you had one-night stands?
I have had one-night stands while in college. Personally, I have nothing against them but in the longer run, it's not the way ahead, especially if you are in a relationship or married. Priorities change. I think all of us go through this phase.
So you don't consider it to be a taboo?
Absolutely not. If it works for both parties who are we to judge.
How was it working with Sunny?
I used to call her Funny Leone on set because she has a deadpan sense of humour, which many people don't get. I found it hilarious and refreshing. We would chat and crack jokes.
Did you have a certain image of her in mind before you met her?
I was a little intimidated by her as she is a star. But she was extremely caring. I am a foodie but had to diet as I had to go shirtless for a few scenes in this film. She suggested that I should at least eat some fish.
Were you nervous during the love-making scenes?
I was a bundle of nerves. People would ask me if it was fun and I would say there are 50 people on set and a DOP is giving you instructions. It's mechanical but it has to look sensual. Sunny made me feel comfortable during the scenes. If people like me in this film, the credit should go to her and our director Jasmine Moses D'Souza.
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