Telugu actor Suman Talwar says he could not have asked for a better Bollywood debut than Gabbar Is Back as it gave him the opportunity to act alongside action star Akshay Kumar.
Talwar, 55, who was recommended by Kumar for the villain’s role in the upcoming film, says he is a huge admirer of the Rowdy Rathore star’s work.
“The first thing that thrilled me about Gabbar was working with Akshay Kumar. In fact, it was he who recommended my name. I never knew that though. I was very excited that Akshay was the film’s hero. I felt this was the best film to jump into.
“I knew I had to be more careful with my work in the film as he had given me this opportunity and I wanted to live up to his expectations,” Talwar said.
Talwar, who is a martial arts practitioner like Kumar, says he enjoyed working with the actor.
“I immediately knew there would be actions scenes as there was Akshay Kumar in the film and I was happy that I would get to show my talent. We had a great time shooting for action scenes, we even got injured too but he took it easy. It is not easy fighting with Akshay Kumar.
“I never thought that he would be so disciplined. He is a professional, coming to the sets at eight in the morning, focusing on his work and never complaining. It was shocking for me to see an actor of his stature to be so dedicated and involved and attached to the whole unit.”
Talwar looks at the quality of the film’s production house, the film’s director and his co-stars when choosing to do a movie. So he was happy that Gabbar Is Back fit his criteria.
“I got a lot of offers from Bollywood but something or the other was missing in those offers. When I got a call for Gabbar, I already knew about it because it is a remake of Tamil film Ramanaa and it was also made in Telugu.
“Both were successful. My role in Gabbar is highlighted because of the action scenes. Krish is the director, I know him. Producers are good, the hero is great, so everything about this movie works for me,” he said.
Talwar is ready for a long run in Bollywood and is interested in working with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who has produced Gabbar Is Back.
“I really liked his last film Ram Leela and would love to be directed by him. Bhansali’s films are very colourful and a treat to the eyes.
The audience gets their money’s worth when they goes to see his movies, he said. “He picks up different themes for his films, so it would be wonderful if I get to work with him,” the actor added.
Gabbar Is Back, also starring Shruti Haasan, will hit the screens in India on May 1.
