Tribute to a city

After an impressive debut with Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Shiney Ahuja has proved his talent with Gangster and Woh Lamhe. In his latest film Life in a ... Metro the actor stars opposite Shilpa Shetty.

Were you concerned about starting your Bollywood career with a role that had shades of grey?

Unlike most actors today, I am not from a film family, so I had no choice but to be unconventional. The negative shades in the role did not worry me because everyone who has been a leader in this industry has carved his own path and there is no specific formula for success here.

Does being an 'outsider' in an industry dominated by 'insiders' pose problems for you?

I am used to being an outsider because my father was in the army and I had to change schools every two years and make new friends each time.

The roles I have done so far were rejected by many actors before they came to me. But I always tell myself that when they began, every star including Amitabh Bachchan was the second choice to another star. So I may be the underdog today, but I aspire to be a winner and be every director's first choice some day.

Did you sense that Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Gangster would do what they have done for you?

When I saw the script of Hazaaron I knew that I would win awards for this role. Similarly, I knew that Gangster would make me a star.

What do you enjoy most about your success?

The food. I get to travel now and stay in better hotels where the food is much better, which means that people feel I am more valuable to them now and hence look after me better.

And what do you dislike most?

The irresponsible rumours spread by the media.

How has life changed post Gangster personally and professionally?

Professionally, I finally have a choice in the roles I want to do and I am getting films in popular genres with a bigger release. Personally I am exactly the same guy saying the same silly things, but now people listen to me.

Why did you do a guest appearance in Fanaa?

I got many mails from my fans complaining about this. But I did it because my instinct told me that it would be good for me in the long run.

What made you take on a small role in an ensemble cast in Life in a ... Metro at this stage of your career?

Director Anurag Basu told me about this film while we were working together on Gangster and I felt that it was a great script and a brilliant opportunity for any actor. The film is my tribute as an actor to the city of Mumbai and to my friend Anurag.

What was the experience of working with Shilpa like? Did the protests during the shoot affect your performance?

We shared a good comfort level and that has translated as good chemistry on screen. The protests did affect us - for five minutes, because the shoot was disrupted. Shilpa was quite worked up but I had fun teasing her and tried to cheer her up.

Has winning awards early in your career put any pressure on you?

No - because I have nothing to lose. And I think I will always feel the same way because as my ambitions keep getting bigger and bigger I keep feeling smaller and smaller.

What is the best advice you have got as an actor?

During the shooting of Bhool Bhulaiyyan Akshay Kumar jokingly gave me some very good advice. He said 'If you want to be rich, always listen to the director'.

'All actors need to noticed'

Irrfan Khan who after winning accolades for his performance in The Namesake has given another outstanding performance in Life in a ... Metro, this time in a lighter role.

What made you accept the light-hearted role in Life in a ... Metro?

When the story was narrated to me, I did not relate to the character of Debu at all, but accepted it because I found him quite amusing. Rarely does an actor get to play a person that he does not relate to but still enjoys playing. Debu is blunt and quite odd at times, but what I found interesting was that the layers in his character are gradually revealed through the eyes of Shruti played by Konkona.

How important is the director to your performance?

Very important. Unlike theatre, cinema is a director's medium. The actor is only a component of the story and even after I have finished my work, I do not know what the end product will be. A lot more work has to be done by the director to give the film its final shape. As an actor I want to work with good directors because I want to be surprised by the final product and be drawn into the story. Being on the sets helps me to unwind, but when the director is not competent I cannot wait for the shooting to be over.

Do you feel you have got your due in Bollywood?

I do not think about that at all. I am getting good work and I hope that continues. I want to do interesting roles that have never been done or seen before, roles that stay in the minds of the audience as entertaining and thought provoking.
Do you feel you have got your due share of awards?

All actors need to be noticed and that is why they become actors. Awards make you feel good and important and they offer confirmation of your work, so they do matter. But I want to get my due not through awards but through the roles I am offered.

What is your role in A Mighty Heart? And what was it like to work with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt?

I play an ATS officer who helps Mariane Pearl, played by Jolie, in investigating the abduction of Daniel Pearl. Michael Winterbottom is an interesting director, who does not follow norms and has his own system.

He shoots continuously for over six hours and the lights are hidden to create a real look on the sets. He just lets you be and gives you the freedom to improvise on the lines. But that means you cannot depend on the script - you have to understand thoroughly every aspect of the character, situation and story.

Working with Angelina Jolie was good, but it was nothing special - it was just like working with anyone else. She and Brad are celebrities but they don't carry that baggage with them. They are absolutely down to earth.

Which are the films and actors you admire?

I loved Philip Seymour Hoffman in Capote. I am impressed by Hrithik Roshan. He looks sincere and believable in whatever character he plays and he has brought a new dimension and elegance to dance. I also like Govinda's spontaneity.

Shiney Ahuja's forthcoming films: Khoya Khoya Chand, Bhool Bhulaiyyan and Har Pal.

Dream role: Amitabh's role in Ramesh Sippy's film Shakti.

Dream woman: My wife.

Did you know?

Irrfan will walk the red carpet with Brangelina at Cannes at the premiere of A Mighty Heart. He has left it to his agent to get him the right suit for the occasion. "It is the first time one of my films is being screened at Cannes," says Irrfan.