When your father is none other than the legendary producer Kumar S Taurani of the hit Race series, doors to Bollywood naturally burst open. But Girish Taurani, who makes his Bollywood debut with Ramaiya Vastavaiya this weekend, claims the battle is only half won.
“When you are a producer’s son, it’s easier to get that opportunity for your first film. But from then on, merit speaks,” said Taurani Jr in an interview with tabloid!. This weekend will see him romancing another child of privilege: Shruti Hassan, daughter of South Indian idol Kamal Hassan, plays the female lead in Taurani Jr’s debut, Ramaiya Vastavaiya. Excerpts from our interview with Bollywood’s new face:
Q: What should we expect from your first film?
A: Director Prabhu Deva has proved over and over again that he can entertain masses over three hours with films like Wanted and Rowdy Rathore. My film is also family entertainment, which will be popular among people across all ages. It has romance, action and comedy.
Q: Your film is described as a love story in which you meet with resistance from your girlfriend’s brother. Haven’t we seen similar Bollywood films — such as Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya?
A: My film, which is a remake of a Telugu hit, Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana, takes you back to our Indian roots. It will transport you to an Indian village in Punjab and it goes to show how a boy tries to win a girl’s hand in marriage. He has to convince her brother that he’s a suitable groom. In that sense, it is similar to Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya. But remember there are so many Bollywood films made about the concept of a rich girl falling in love with a poor boy or a poor girl falling in love with a rich guy. But every film such as Titanic or Raja Hindustani is different. Everything depends on the screenplay. The characters will make a film stand apart.
Q: What’s your role in Ramaiya Vastavaiya?
A: I play Ram. He’s rich and has been educated outside of India. His outlook is modern, just like any other NRI [non-resident Indian]. Much to his surprise, he falls in love with a simple girl called Sona [Haasan] at his friend’s wedding. She’s his complete opposite in terms of personality and upbringing. But like they say, opposites attract.
Q: Your father, Kumar Taurani, is a top Bollywood producer. Was acting a part of your plan growing up?
A: It was always my dream to become a Bollywood actor. I could have been anything that I chose to be. But since childhood, I knew that acting should be my profession. I still remember my first day on a shooting set. I was on the sets of producer Vashu Bhagnani’s Hero No 1. It was an outdoor shoot. It was then that the Bollywood bug bit me then. I loved the whole process of filming. I assisted my father in scripting and behind the camera sequences. All my life, I did not know another way.
Q: Do you feel privileged that you belong to a Bollywood family?
A: Absolutely. When you belong to such a family, you get an opportunity to make your Bollywood debut. Just like how if your father is a doctor, then you have an advantage over students who are trying to clear the medical examinations. You have an inside knowledge but you need merit. Luck can get you your first film but the rest depends on your talents.
Q: Reports claim that you had to undergo massive training to lose weight. Was it tough to shed the kilos?
A: I suffer from a condition called hyperthyroidism. But I am so passionate about acting that I didn’t want to let it stand in my way. I was willing to go through the grind to become an actor. I gave up food and exercised for hours to become an actor. It was challenging but it was worth it. Also, in this film I play a boy who grew up outside India. He loves to surf. So naturally my fitness level should be admirable. I knew I had to look the part and I could never compromise on that.
