"I was destined to become an actor" - Shreyas Talpade 
By IndiaFM News Bureau, December 28, 2007 - 15:48 IST
The person who had coined the saying 'Jack of all trades, Master of none' must definitely not have known or met someone called 'Shreyas Talpade', one of the most promising stars on the Bollywood horizon. What's so striking about him is his sincerity bundled with astounding simplicity in whatever he does. People who know him swear by his talent and the people who do not know him curse their stars for not knowing him. This man with an ever smiling face is every interviewer's.
Shreyas started his career with Aankhen, but came into (read 'stole') the limelight with his impact-full role of a deaf-mute in Iqbal. He later went onto do roles that suited him to the 'T', with the latest one being that of SRK's friend in the smashing hit Om Shanti Om! IndiaFM caught up with Shreyas for an exclusive interview where he spoke about his upcoming film Bombay To Bangkok.
You have been playing unconventional roles since the outset of your career be it Iqbal or Dor. What did Nagesh Kukunoor have to offer you in Bombay to Bangkok?
Nagesh Kukunoor offered me something, which was challenging since I play a character that is very different from what I have been doing all this while. I play a chef of a small restaurant who steals money from the local Don out of desperation in Bombay. However, his life becomes a total turmoil as soon as he loses this money after landing in Bangkok. Since, it is romantic-comedy; I will be seen romancing on screen for the first time.
How does the storyline shape up?
The storyline line takes a twist after this character flies off to Bangkok joining the team of doctors, loses all his stolen money. And eventually, falls in love with the girl running a massage parlour (played by Lina Christianson) who helps him find the money. This is the story in totality.
Nagesh Kukunoor has explored you as an actor. How has it been working with him until now?
Nagesh Kukunoor is full of surprises in terms of the scripts and roles. His innovative nature is highly unpredictable. He is very approachable; I never had to think twice before putting my thoughts across to him because of his flexible nature. Alertness and on your toes nature works when it comes to working with Nagesh. Every time we work together, the tuning gets better. Nagesh knows both my strengths and weaknesses and areas to tap.
Nagesh Kukunoor is highly unpredictable
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Which role of yours has been the most challenging?
Challenging…I guess Bombay to Bangkok has been the most challenging so far. Considering the surprises, which the storyline unfolded for me, especially the romance part of it was like new territory to enter as far as my career is concerned. For when an actor experiments with something new, the reaction of the audiences comes in the picture, which drives us towards giving our best shot. I should be able to do justice to a particular genre, that too in a solo performance, that itself is challenging enough.
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Bombay to Bangkok has been the most challenging role so far
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Are you planning to produce any Hindi films in your production house?
Well, running a production house is not a cakewalk. Trust me, while making Marathi films, problems crept in with every call. However, I have enjoyed every bit of it. Filmmaking is like a baby nourishing when made under your own production banner. At the end of the day, if something excites me be it Hindi or Marathi, I will definitely go ahead with it.
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Filmmaking is like a baby nourishing when made under your own production banner
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Since, action is one genre still untouched by you. Are you likely to do it in near future? Which genre are you most comfortable in?
I welcome change to keep myself fresh every time. I hate being typecast for a certain set of roles. Doing films of different genres like, I fool around on the sets of Golmaal 2 and then go back to Click bringing shivers down the people's spine, gives me opportunity to try some thing new and refreshing everytime. At the same time, one has to do full justice to whatever he plays.
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I hate being type cast for a certain set of roles.
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How was the experience working with Lina Christianson? Were there any language constraints?
It was an absolute delight to work with Lina. In spite of being a Thai, she spoke good English, so language barrier never came into picture. And over time, we got comfortable with the dialect and atmosphere in Bangkok. Nagesh, at one point of time, disapproved of the ease we shared as it could hamper our respective performances, because the script demanded us to have a huge language barrier between us.
What about promotional strategies have you opted for the film?
Well…production house has its own way of promoting films. As far as I am concerned, whatever, can be done within my capacity, be it events, shows and interviews, I will do my level best. However, one thing that I hate to do is what you call bad publicity. For me, promoting a film means, getting people acquainted to the film and its release date. Then, leave it to them whether they want to watch my film or not.
Don't you feel promotional activities done on a large scale are important for any film since sometimes films suffer due to lack of promotions?
Absolutely, one has to keep up with the pace of changing times especially in cinema. I would not mind promoting my film on reality shows. Infact, this gives a platform to both celebs and audience to have a close acquaintance. However, I would prefer promotions not done in a cheap manner. At the end of the day, it is how a film churns out, if promoted on a big scale and the film lacks substance, it would not be successful. We promoted Om Shanti Om in ten thousand different ways and in future we can come out with fifty thousand other ways.
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At the end of the day, it is how a film churns out, if promoted on a big scale and the film lacks substance, it would not be successful.
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In a short span of time, you have made your mark as an actor. What's your take on that?
I have been fortunate enough that way. God has been very kind in giving me the opportunity to work with good directors who have always offered unique things and experimented with me. I was destined to become an actor inspite of my non-filmy background, which kept my family skeptical about my career in the initial days. My career choices would fluctuate from pilot to doctor and even a CA sometimes. Now that I am an actor, I get the opportunity to play all those characters. I have had my share of struggles both financially and professionally. But now I am happy that people have noticed my acting prowess and I will do my best to live up to their expectations.
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I was destined to become an actor inspite of my non-filmy background, which kept my family skeptical about my career in initial days.
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What do you feel about the music of the film?
Music of Bombay to Bangkok is superb. Salim-Sulaiman are simply fantastic. There is a great deal of variation from disco to romantic numbers.
Which is your favorite track?
Hmmm…my favorite song is a couple of them. One is 'Dhere Dhere'- the romantic and disco number.
What is the USP of the film?
USP of the film are the surprises, which are in store for the audiences. All I can say is come watch and enjoy the cross-cultural romantic-comedy.
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