Sanjay Dutt talks to Asian Express about his new film
Die-hard fans of the famous (or should we say “infamous”) “Munna Bhai” can now look forward to seeing Bollywood’s real-time bad boy in a new film.
Ironically, Sanjay Dutt who is currently serving a prison sentence in real life for firearms offences linked to 1993 Mumbai blasts, plays the role of a law enforcement officer in the forthcoming movie ‘Ungli’.
The film faced some major hold-ups due to Sanjay Dutt’s prison release dates for shooting of the film and it had been doubted to ever reach completion.
Supremo-director and producer Karan Johar and director Rensil D’Silva said that it was their work ethic and determination that kept the belief going that they would complete the project.
Johar has given the edgy film a noir comic twist in a setting of a sprawling metropolis, where corruption, intimidation and violence are a way of life.
The film ‘Ungli’ perfectly captures the current mood in India of curbing corruption, bribery and intimidation in the upper echelons of power and authority.
It conveys, in an effective and humorous manner, a story of how five ordinary citizens can make a difference in a city blighted by dark forces whilst literally giving the proverbial ‘finger’ to the corrupt and dishonest.
The ensemble cast consists of Sanjay Dutt, Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, Randeep Hooda and boasts a terrific supporting cast. Audiences can also look forward to the stunning Shraddha Kapoor as she makes a special appearance in an item number not to be missed.
Asian Express caught up with Sanjay Dutt:
Q. You perform a lot of stunts and take part in numerous fight scenes during this film; did you find this physically challenging?
A: It just so happens I am in the best shape of my life right now. I’ve lost a lot of weight and my fitness has got a lot better which meant I actually could enjoy all the stunts.
Q. Have you got any tips for keeping in such good shape?
A: Exercise! I know it sounds obvious but so many people talk about losing weight and gaining muscle but aren’t willing to put in the hard work to actually achieve it. Diet is also really important, you can exercise as much as you want but if you aren’t willing to change your diet then you won’t see a change.
Q. Did you enjoy having Rensil D’Silva as the director?
A: I think what makes Rensil such an amazing director is the fact he genuinely cares for his cast and really wants the best for them. It’s fairly unique to get someone like that, for me personally it means I have a deep respect for Rensil not only as a director, but as a friend.
Q. In this film, you play a hardline police officer called Inspector Kale, did you enjoy playing this role?
A: I think Inspector Kale is simply misunderstood (laughs). I really enjoyed playing Kale, the stuns were all really fun and doing the fight scenes with the cast was hysterical. It’s fun playing the villain now and again, villains are so simple and you don’t have to worry about the audience loving you. My character is able to get away with anything and I think that sort of character is always the most enjoyable to play.
