Best known for the lead roles he played in telly soaps, Ram Kapoor ventured into Bollywood with character roles in films like Karthik Calling Karthik, Agent Vinod and Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, among others.
In Sajid Khan's upcoming comedy Humshakals, he plays three characters, all called Mamaji. Excerpts from a conversation...
Sajid and you have been friends for years. Why did it take you so long to collaborate?
I know a lot of people in Bollywood, but it's not in me to tell a friend that I want to work with him. Sajid did well in his career, while I progressed in mine. When I was doing TV, maybe he didn't think I was a good option. Once, after I had acted in a couple of movies, he said we must work together. At that time, I didn't know what he had in mind for me. When he approached me with Humshakals a few months later, I said, 'Fantastic. Let's do it'.
Being a big TV star, what prompted you to start with supporting roles in films?
While it's true that I've done well in TV, it took me more than 10 years to get there. Films are a different ball game altogether. I had decided that I would do whatever it takes to enter movies, but slowly. Be it Agent Vinod or EMAET, they were baby steps for me. Due to my size, I fit into character roles. I'm aware of my advantages and disadvantages and discussed this with Sajid too. Boman Irani is one actor I look up to and I think I can have a similar career graph. I've a plan in process and I'm moving from one step to the next.
What was your first thought on hearing that you have to dress up as a woman?
I was nervous as to whether I'd be able to pull it off. Doing a hit show on TV means doing the same thing for three-four years. When I decided to venture into films, I wanted to try and do things as differently as possible. So, I took Humshakals as a challenge. On TV, I'd have never got an opportunity like this. In movies, I want people to see all sides of me as an actor.
What happened the first time you stepped out in your female avatar?
That was in Mauritius. Kareena (Kapoor Khan) and Genelia (D'Souza Deshmukh) were also there. Tamannaah and Bipasha gave me a hug, saying they found me too cute. If the audience reacts the way people on the set did, I'll be happy.
While Saif (Ali Khan) and Riteish (Deshmukh) are chasing each other's female avatars in a song, you're chasing your own. Was that intentional?
That was Sajid's idea. He thought it would be funny if Ram is chasing Ram. Shooting that portion took us four days and it was extremely tough. I had to alternate between both the looks to complete the shoot.
You've worked with Saif briefly in Agent Vinod. Since you have a lot more scenes with him, how was it different this time?
Saif is a thorough gentleman. I got to know him better now as we spent more time working and chilling out together. He's got a wacky sense of humour.
What about Riteish?
He is a fantastic person and a great guy to work with. He gets along with everyone.
What did your wife Gautami have to say about your 'woman' avatar?
After seeing the promo, she laughed non-stop for 10 minutes. I've never seen her laugh so much. She got our kids to see it and they too had a good laugh. They're all excited to see the film, particularly me as a woman.
What's next in movies? Aren't you apprehensive this may typecast you in comedies?
Since I've been trying to do different roles, I don't think I'd be slotted. I've signed three movies, one of which is Patel Rap with Sunny Leone. It's a hilarious comedy in which my character, a Gujarati man named Patel, is secretly obsessed with Sunny. As for the other two films, let's wait for the producers to make the announcement.
What about Bade Achhe Lagte Hain?
I had signed it for three years. After that, I informed the producers and the channel that I won't be able to continue.
Actors have gained and lost weight for roles. For which directors and what kind of roles would you consider losing a few kilos?
I'd do it for any director as long as the film and the role is worth the effort. It takes time to lose weight, and currently, I'm committed to movies, which came my way due to my size. So for the next six-eight months, I have to look like this. If something comes up later, I'd have to take a break to lose weight and not take up anything else till that assignment is complete.
Is it goodbye to TV then?
I'll never turn my back on TV, because it made me a household name. If something good comes up, I'll definitely consider. Otherwise, I'm totally focused on movies.
Sajid Khan on Ram Kapoor
"Ram was initially shy after dressing up as a woman. We had to shoot on a beach and he was very hesitant. But when he saw people laughing, he felt it was working. He then started interacting with people to shed his inhibitions."
Humshakals, produced by Vashu Bhagnani and presented by Fox Star Studios, releases June 20.
Ram had to remove his chest hair to play a female, but he was embarrassed to go to a parlour. So, Sajid asked the actor's wife, Gautami — they have been friends for years — to help him use a hair removal cream. Two hours later, she called up, exasperated. "She even threatened to kill me for making her do it," recalls Sajid.
Saif told the director that he was first named Sajid, but his grandmother changed it. If that hadn't happened, the film would have had Sajid (Khan) directing Sajid (Ali Khan). While Riteish's mimicry abilities are known, this time, the actor outdid himself by mimicking more than 10 actors, much to the surprise of his co-stars and crew members.
Tamannaah was very excited to meet Saif and kept telling Sajid that her BF wanted to meet him. The director thought she meant boyfriend, but it turned out to be her 'Bhatia Family'. Bipasha Basu plays a Bengali character named Mishti. In a scene, due to the mix-up, she talks to Ritiesh's look-alike in Bengali. Since he's not her actual boyfriend,
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