Monday, November 29, 1999

Lamhaa`s Aatif has a history of violence: Kunal

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Though we arrange to meet at the coffee shop of Juhu's Novotel hotel, Kunal Kapoor suggests we move to the lounge by the sea-face. "I grew up in Juhu by the beach and the desire to be around the sea comes naturally," he explains with a smile that is to remain on his lips throughout the conversation. The mellowing sun in clear skies gives off a radiant glow to the choppy waters, while the cool breeze sets the mood for the chat.The dishy actor, who won critical acclaim and a female following in equal measure for his intense character in Rang De Basanti, will be seen in Rahul Dholakia's Lamhaa after a two-year gap. "The world was going through an economic crisis and I realised I had to take care of it. Now that it's sorted out, I'm back," he jests, debunking the assumption that his sombre character in RDB bears any resemblance to him. He adds on a serious note, "Though I've not been shooting, the last one year has proved productive. I've had the chance to attend workshops to develop myself as an actor. I finally feel I can deliver a performance that is credible by my own standards."The actor, however, is aware that he has gambled with his career by being selective with his roles. Lamhaa, he hopes, will reinstate him in the audience's memory.A film that brings to attention the political turmoil in Kashmir, Lamhaa has the 35-year-old play a young politician with a history of violence. After having walked that path, his character Aatif realises that peace is the solution to the Valley's problems. "Aatif is far removed from what I am. He comes across as normal in routine life, but carries within him a mad passion for politics," he says as he waves back to a child on the beach who has recognised him.As if shooting in the Valley was not dangerous enough, Dholakia, he says, chose to film in guerrilla style at locations that the security forces had warned the crew against. While pointing out that Aatif reflects Dholakia's passion and impulsiveness, Kapoor states that he often decides to do a film based on who the filmmaker is.But from this point on, he says, every film that he does will see him as more than just an actor. "I've been working on scripts with filmmakers I like," he explains as he talks about an as-yet untitled film based in Punjab with Navdeep Singh that is likely to go on floors from August. "Only the happy, colourful and jovial side of the region has been showcased in films up till now. We want to present the darker side."However, what excites the actor the most at the moment is Anurag Kashyap's big screen adaptation of the popular Hindi comic book Doga where Kapoor is to play the superhero. "It sounds fun right now but I will be 20 kilos heftier for the role and dressed up in uncomfortable costumes, hopefully without the underwear on the outside," he says, feigning displeasure before he breaks into the smile again, "When young, all girls want to be dolls and all guys superheroes. This is my fantasy come true where I can dress up as a superhero without people laughing at me."The adventures in Kapoor's life recently have had to do more than with the filming of Lamhaa and preparing for Doga. He trained in flying an aircraft and followed it up with sky diving. Though he intends to go deep sea diving in the waters of Egypt next, the year is packed with projects. "But only till my next vacation," he winks.

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