To start with, Akshay, are you nervous or excited before the release of Bhool Bhulaiyaa?
No matter how many films I do, I will always be nervous and excited, both at the same time. For me every film of mine is important no matter how big a star I become. By now, I have probably worked in over 110 films but still that jitter is always there. I do not have words to express how I truly feel now…the countdown has already begun.
So what is Bhool Bhulaiyaa all about?
Bhool Bhulaiyaa is not a typical comedy film. It’s not a ‘leave your brains aside’ kind of comedy, instead I would recommend that if you are going to watch Bhool Bhulaiyaa kindly carry your brain with you. This is probably India’s first psychological thriller with an element of comedy in it. It does not resort to a garish and ‘banana peel’ kind of humor. Priyadarshan has used comedy very subtly and intelligently. It is not an outright comedy film. The story is told so ingeniously, that it is beyond ones imagination.
So according to you, what is the genre of the film?
The film belongs to the genre of thrillers at the same time it is not serious. Bhool Bhulaiyaa is packaged with humor. Then again people associate Priyadarshan and my name with comedy film going back to old films like Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, etc. Nevertheless, that is not how it is; in the case of Bhool Bhulaiyaa, it is actually a very different kind of film. You might probably hear this from many actors, I know it sounds clichéd but honestly, Bhool Bhulaiyaa is a unique film.
What does the audience get out of the film?
Bhool Bhulaiyaa will actually offer a lot to the audiences. It will not only provide entertainment but also try to make the audiences clear myths of supernatural presence. It is a fantastic film; it answers queries regarding spirit possession, exorcism, etc. Instead of assuming that a person is possessed, people must treat him or her and obtain medical help. The film explains this illness called multiple personality disorder. Often in real life, you would see such cases attended by ill-treating the person and physically abusing the person under the pretext of curing them. The film clears these superstitions.
The film also has an interesting star cast, how was it working with them?
Honestly, this whole film actually belongs to Vidya than me, mainly because she is the central character in the film. The story in the film revolves around her. She has given a fabulous performance in the film. Shobana earlier did this film in the Malayalam titled, ‘Manichitrazh’. Shobana had even won the National award for her performance in this film. Shiney is also a good actor. He has done a great job, I am very happy with his performance.
It was heard that Priyadarshan was unhappy with Vidya Balan, as she could not dance. Comment.
Oh, no that is not true at all. Vidya has done brilliant job. Just wait for the release and you will know what I am saying is true. The movie will release soon, and then you can judge for yourself. These are all useless and baseless rumors.
What thoughts come to your mind when you recollect the incident at Churchgate when you could not afford to buy a book?
Yes I do remember that, it was a book called ‘How to Learn Acting’. However, today I can say that I learnt acting without having to spend a single penny on that book. Its something called fate by which I became an actor and a star now. What I learnt in this course of time is that if you want to be a good actor, be a good human being then fate will work wonders.
Do you feel that acting can be taught or learnt, a la cookery, or is it that actors are just born?
I cannot talk on behalf of everyone, this is strictly my opinion that its experience that makes an actor. It was sheer experience that made me what I am today, a self-made man.
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