Neil Nitin Mukesh is eagerly anticipating the release of his next film, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. In an interview with us, he talks about working with Salman Khan, taking on South films, and about being single.
You made your debut with the critically acclaimed Johnny Gaddar, but your career took a back seat…
If working with National Award winning directors weren’t taken into account, then I would love to be on the back seat! I am privileged to work with stalwarts like Kabir Khan, Madhur Bhandarkar, Sudhir Mishra etc.
A film you regret doing?
None. I have always learned from my mistakes. I won’t blame anyone for any film I did, since I chose my scripts consciously.
Do you feel Prem Ratan Dhan Payo will get your career back on track?
Actually Kaththi did that for me, but Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is the biggest film of my career. It’s like a dream come true to work with Salman bhai and Sooraj Barjatya in the same film. I am playing a very complex and layered role of Salman’s youngest stepbrother. I am really proud of it.
Aren’t you insecure of being typecast as a baddie?
I don’t think so. I played characters on screen irrespective of their nature. It’s just about one’s perception. In fact, I have always done love stories. I played grey roles only in Johnny Gaddar, 7 Khoon Maaf and Players.
And you play a villain in Wazir yet again. One shot in the teaser is really scary, how did you do that?
Lakdi Ki Kathi wasn’t in the script earlier. Bejoy (Nambiar, the director) and I thought of this on the sets. In fact, Bejoy wasn’t convinced with this act but I asked him to give me a chance. When I gave my final shot, it turned out to be scary and we all loved it.
What went wrong with Tera Kya Hoga Johnny, Ishqeria and Dussera? Will they ever release?
I worked really hard on these films and they look good too, but few films have such bad fate. Can’t do much about it other than moving on and doing good work.
What made you act in Tamil films?
I wanted to challenge myself as an actor. I thought this is the time to reinvent. Murugadoss sir called me and I read the script. I learnt Tamil for Kaththi. I used to shoot PRDP and then learn the translations. I am glad that I won Best Actor in a Negative Role for Kaththi.
So, are you still single?
Yeah, I am single. Recently, during a mehendi ceremony at our house, I tattooed a heart with a question mark. [Laughs]
