Optimism is his strong point

Aftab Shivdasani is making steady strides in Hindi cinema, despite not being a star son. GIRIJA RAJENDRAN interviews the young actor who is both confident and diplomatic in his approach to his career.

AFTAB SHIVDASANI has been doing well enough for himself in the brief span during which he has been seen. Maybe things could have worked out better in his favour after Ram Gopal Varma's "Mast'' - a la "Rangeela". But Aftab is not complaining. He prefers to talk about it as a lucky break he got under such a feeling cineaste, rather than the possible wonders that "Mast" could have done for his career. Says Aftab: "I was the leading man opposite Urmila Matondkar in "Mast" and I was well noticed in the movie. I am grateful for the enviable opening I got under such a thinking craftsman."

The go-getter was shooting at R.K. Studios for a dance sequence for Tips' "Koyi Mere Dil Se Poochhe", patiently trying to get his steps right - to the satisfaction of that exacting choreographer, Farah Khan. Recurring rehearsals did nothing to dampen Aftab's spirits, as he gave each try his best shot. As we returned to the air-conditioned comfort of his van, I asked Aftab if he found dancing difficult. The four film-old Aftab did not hide the fact that he is not a dancer of the calibre of Hrithik Roshan.

"Yes, I do find dancing in films bit of a tough going," Aftab conceded. "But I would like to think I am improving with each film - I haven't been told I have "two left feet" yet - not even by my severest critic!"

Though he has not had any formal training in either acting or dancing, Aftab Shivdasani has acquitted himself quite creditably, not only in the conventional romantic hero's role, but also in more complex and demanding characterisations via such movies as Vikram Bhatt's "Kasoor", and Muthu's "Pyaasa". Both have unusual themes and unusual roles for Aftab. "Would you say that you are an actor in a hurry - you seem to be trying a variety of roles even before establishing your credentials as a regular leading man in mainstream cinema. Would you, for instance, say that the character of a suspected murderer in "Kasoor" and that negative role in "Pyaasa" were tried too soon in your just-blossoming career? Many seemed to think that, in "Kasoor" especially, you lacked both the looks and the experience to tackle such a mature role."

"On the contrary," came back Aftab, "I consider it fortunate indeed to have had the opportunity to tackle a range of emotions so early in my career. Not many would be offered such a chance to prove their versatility so soon. Variety is the spice of acting life, so it's wrong to say I didn't suit the character I played in "Kasoor". I worked real hard on my get-up and my characterisation in "Kasoor". While on the thriller theme, let me clarify another thing. Far from the general impression that "Kasoor" has been a non-starter at the turnstiles, it has just completed a rare silver jubilee run. In truth, "Kasoor" is the most successful of my films till now. I am proud of both my work and of the audience response to this taut mystery movie."

"Your "Love Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega" is another film that has been panned by critics," I bore in. "This in spite of it having been directed by the maker of the much-noticed "Shool" - E. Nivas. Do you really think comedy is your forte? Here you were working with Saif Ali Khan and Fardeen Khan. How did it feel?''

"We three had a nice time during the "Love Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega" days, vibing well on and off the sets, no matter what gossip writers would have the public believe. There was no tension, no sense of one-upmanship. We had faith in the script and the director, each knew exactly what his role was like, in advance. That, I'd say, is what helped the three of us enjoy ourselves so. By the way, my sense of timing in dialogue delivery has come as a pleasant surprise to me here - as to the audience. My audience is the ultimate judge while evaluating my performance. They represent the ultimate yardstick in getting the true measure of oneself on the silver screen," observed Aftab, proving that he's fast learning the important points of the game even while concentrating on his acting.

Where did this Ram Gopal Varma's protg pick up the rudiments of acting? "I've been acting in ad shows from a young age," Aftab smiles. "In fact, I was one of the Farex babies when a mere kid. I've been doing ad films through my school and college days. In fact, Ram Gopal Varma actually happened to spot me in one of my ads and picked me for my first film: "Mast". Yet, I never acted in school and college plays. Actually, I was into sports in a big way, I've represented my school and college in both cricket and tennis at the State level. I was plain crazy about sports. Never had I given any thought to a career in films. Yet, now that I'm here, I am certainly enjoying what I'm getting to do. I've always wanted to achieve and today, as an actor, I have the opportunity to be creative too."

``In Rajiv Rai's "Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat", the real leading man has proved to be model-turned-actor Arjun Rampal. Where does that leave you?"

"We're talking about me now," says Aftab cleverly, "so why bring Arjun Rampal into it? Arjun is Arjun, Aftab is Aftab - it's not out of a sense of vainglory that I say this. I'm totally satisfied with the way I was treated by Rajiv Rai in "Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat". I knew about my slot in the script from the word `go', so there's no question of being disappointed with either myself or with director Rajiv Rai. As far as I'm concerned, "Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat" was a three-hero subject in which I was as important to the storyline as was Arjun Rampal or Sunil Shetty.

``Rajiv Rai is such a good film-maker and I learnt a lot about emoting under his care. I'd say I've picked up something valuable from each one of my directors. Acting is a continuous process of learning in so many different departments - if you keep an open mind and have a genuine desire to progress with each film you get to do."

Today, Aftab Shivdasani has films with Mahesh Bhatt and Boney Kapoor, Tips and Sony. All these without being an `insider' in an industry where doors open magically because of your famous surname. So, when the rising Aftab says he has arrived on his own steam, you have to take note of it with cautious optimism, seeing how prestigious projects are already coming this actor's way. Aftab Shivdasani is not a star son. In fact, he is the only example of an "outsider" star to have made it in recent times.

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