Mumbai: Ronit Roy has been part of showbiz for nearly 30 years, but has no qualms about playing the villain in movies. “I don’t think I’m here to fill the gap as villain on the big screen,” he says. “I can only say that destiny brought these roles to me. In fact Sanjay Gupta, who directed 'Kaabil', wasn’t even sure that he could give me a police inspector’s role, as there was no role of its kind. But while I was away in the US, he asked me to meet Rakesh Roshan. I met him after I returned from the US. I’m proud of being a part of this prestigious cast and crew, even as a villain.”
'Udaan' has been one of the biggest movies of Ronit’s career. “'Udaan' also happened by fluke,” he says nostalgically. “I was to play Ram Kapoor’s character but Anurag (Kashyap) came to my house and said he was casting me in this role and he’d given the final script to UTV. I’m happy 'Udaan' received a standing ovation in international film festivals, and now 'Kaabil' too received an ovation at Cannes.” He continues, “Just yesterday, a handful of distributors too gave the movie a standing ovation. We’re really hoping 'Kaabil' does well.”
As far as 'Raees' and Kaabil’s clash goes, Ronit quips, “I know Hrithik Roshan and am close to him but I’m close to Shah Rukh Khan as well. I believe all of us in the industry try to put in our best. We never hope one will be a hit over the other. The final verdict rests with the audience, though.”
Ronit is also set to star in 'Sarkar 3', and is all praises for Ram Gopal Verma. “No sooner did I tell my friends that Ramu called me for the movie, than everyone started badmouthing him. But let me tell you, he’s an intelligent director. And Amitabh Bachchan, what do I say? Meri haysiyat nahi hai ki unke bare mein kuch bol sakoon. (I have no standing to say anything about him).”
Word is that Ronit is looking towards the west, but the actor is tight lipped about any Hollywood ambitions. “It’s too early to disclose anything,” he grins. “We’re talking. Once things gets finalised, you’ll know.”
