Chitchat on Chaat

Aftab Shivdasani is back in the reckoning with his latest comedy, Aloo Chaat, which has been making a positive buzz in Bollywood, thanks to its lively promos, vibrant soundtrack and Shivdasani's fresh pairing with TV star-turned-film actress Aamna Shariff.

In fact, there are rumours that Shivdasani is smitten with Shariff's beauty and is all praise for the actress.
Shivdasani talks about Aloo Chaat and his co-star in an interview:

How does it feel to have a solo release after a long time?

It feels great. My two earlier solo releases, Red and Ankahee, earned me critical acclaim but this time I am sure Aloo Chaat will fetch me box-office success too.

What is it about Aloo Chaat that makes you feel so?

Aloo Chaat is a simple, light-hearted entertainer, very much like Hrishikesh Mukherjee's films of the 1970s and the 1980s.

It is a character-driven film set in the by-lanes of Delhi, with loads of humour. Besides an interesting title, the film also has a plot that will keep the audience entertained.

Tell us something about the character you play.

I play Nikhil, a boy from a conservative Punjabi family who returns to India after he completes his education in the US.

He wants to marry his American girlfriend but unexpected twists and turns take place. I have enjoyed playing Nikhil's part.

Most of your hits have been comedies. Are playing safe by acting in Aloo Chaat?

Comedies are a safer genre to choose but I don't limit myself to them. I try to act in as many genres as I can, so I get to dabble in various subjects. Though I enjoy doing comedies, I prefer acting in thrillers.

You seem to be going gaga over your co-star Aamna Shariff. What's so special about her?

Aamna is beautiful and fresh on screen. Aloo Chaat being her first film, I think she has done a commendable job. She has a lot of talent. Once Aloo Chaat hits the theatres, Aamna is bound to go places.

What are your favourite tracks from the film?

I have been bowled over by the title track by RDB, which has already become a rage. I also love the romantic track Dhadke Jiya.

What's next after Aloo Chaat?

I am part of a multistarrer action thriller called Acid Factory coming up and will also be starring with Akshay Kumar in Kambhaqt Ishq.

After having acted in more than 25 films, which ones will you rate as your best performances?

My performances in Shukriya and Ankahee.

Is there any contemporary actor you are impressed with?

It has to be Hrithik Roshan. He is one of the most talented and hard-working actors in the Hindi film industry.

— Abdulla Mahmood is a UAE-based freelance writer