Entertainment | Film & Cinema
Fairytale journey
Close on the heels of Om Shanti Om's super success, Talpade returns to the silver screen with Kukunoor's latest flick, Bombay To Bangkok, that pairs him opposite Lena Christensen, a Thai actress.
- By Abdulla Mahmood, Gulf News Report
- Published: 23:56 January 19, 2008
- Shreyas Talpade with Thai actress Lena Christensen in Bombay to Bangkok.
- Image Credit: Supplied photo
Shreyas Talpade arrived in Bollywood with an outstanding performance in Nagesh Kukunoor's Iqbal, playing an aspiring cricketer who cannot hear or speak. He followed it up with another heartwarming performance in Dor, also directed by Kukunoor.
Talpade then broke out of the mould and did a total potboiler: Apna Sapna Money Money.
Again he was accepted by the critics and the public.
The film's success brought him many interesting offers and he starred in three films last year - Aggar, Dil Dosti Etc. and Om Shanti Om.
Praised
If Aggar won him critical acclaim for his suave negative act, Dil Dosti Etc, a campus flick, did reasonably well at the box office. Finally it was his superb comic timing in Shah Rukh Khan's Om Shanti Om (OSO) that impressed everyone.
Close on the heels of OSO's super success, Talpade returns to the silver screen with Kukunoor's latest flick, Bombay To Bangkok, that pairs him opposite Lena Christensen, a Thai actress.
In conversation with Talpade:
How is life treating you after Om Shanti Om's success?
I couldn't have asked for a better life than what it is now. It's been a fairytale journey for me since my days in the theatre. First Iqbal and now OSO. I have only received positive response ever since OSO released and I am enjoying every moment of it. I am grateful to Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan for giving me this lovely opportunity.
Were you always confident that you could pull off your role opposite Shah Rukh Khan?
To be honest, I was sceptical initially. Moreover, I had not worked with any big star, and especially when it happens to be the biggest star in the country it makes you feel jittery. But Farah was convinced that I fitted the bill after she saw me in Dor and Apna Sapna Money Money. After the role was narrated to me, I knew I could get into the skin of the character and with the entire team's support, acting in this film turned out to be an enriching experience.
How was the experience of working with Shah Rukh Khan?
I don't think you will come across a more humble and down-to-earth superstar like Shah Rukh Khan. He is a fantastic human being, who is very passionate about his work and this attribute tends to rub off on his co-stars. It has been sheer delight working with him and I look forward to doing another film with him.
Now you are back with Bombay To Bangkok, your third film with Nagesh Kukunoor. How has your rapport been with Kukunoor?
Nagesh is a very creative person and loves to explore new ideas. After doing a couple of films with him I understand his thought process and try my best as an actor to follow his vision. At the same time he gives you enough liberty to experiment and allows you to come up with any suggestion. I believe that we are closer friends now after doing three films together, but while shooting there are no compromises on quality of work. I think I am lucky to have been associated with Nagesh and his films.
What is the USP of Bombay To Bangkok?
It is Nagesh's first attempt at making a Bollywood masala film with songs and dance sequences. The film is a romantic comedy and I am playing a character that is different from what I have played so far. I think the way Nagesh has handled the storyline should make the film an interesting watch.
How easy was it to communicate and act with the Thai actress Lena Christensen?
It was fun acting with Lena. She speaks very good English and so communicating with her wasn't a problem. I used to help her with Hindi and she taught me some Thai words.
The first Thai word I learnt was Swateeka which means hello. I think I was a bit mean to her as I taught her some abusive words which she would repeat to some of the team members before realising that I was pulling her leg. Overall we were very comfortable with each other.
What are your forthcoming projects?
I am doing a horror film called Click and I am also in Golmaal Returns, the sequel to Golmaal. Besides these films I will shortly be doing Shyam Benegal's comedy Mahadev opposite Amrita Rao. Moreover, I am producing a Marathi film.
Shreyas Talpade films:
- Iqbal
- Dor
- Apna Sapna Money Money
- Aggar
- Dil Dosti Etc
- Om Shanti Om
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