Bobby does his most tense role in 'Shaka Laka...'

By Subhash K. Jha, . Aug 22, 2006, 7:30 GMT

Mumbai, Aug 22 (IANS) Bobby Deol says he is doing probably the most tense role of his career in Suneel Darshan's 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom'.

On location in Johannesberg, Bobby screamed non-stop at Upen Patel, who is playing an important role in the film.

'These are really some of the most dramatic scenes I've done. I've never done anything like this film before,' Bobby told IANS.

Bobby believes in learning on the job.

'I guess I've been waiting for a chance like this. This role gives me the chance to really sink into something that was a challenge. In fact, when Suneel narrated it to me I was like, 'Will I be able to do it?' The entire film hinges on how I carry off my character, my new look and my new clothes. I've worked on my hair and clothes. I'm wearing more body-hugging clothes. Generally, I'm in baggy T-shirts.'

What's exciting for Bobby is that his director has chosen to switch lanes.

'Suneel made the switch at the right time. It's definitely an emotional film but very different from anything Suneel has done. I hope family audiences respond well to Suneel's new avatar; there're some bold shades in my character that will definitely raise some eyebrows.'

Bobby seems to have found new reserves of energy to take on this role. Generally known to be laidback, Bobby is giving his all to 'Shaka Laka...'. He declined Ajay Devgan's role in Mani Ratnam's 'Yuva'.

Ask him about Upen, who plays his pupil, and Bobby is guardedly positive.

'He's new, raw and eager. He's a young kid. I remember I was like him once. But I had the advantage of being a part of the industry. He's from the outside and really working hard. That's important for anyone in this industry.'

As for the special bonding that Upen's publicity machinery has been broadcasting, Bobby laughs, 'I get along well with everyone. I've never had a problem with anyone I've worked with.'

Bobby is impressed with newcomer Kangana Ranaut.

'I hadn't seen Kangana's work before working with her. But she caught my eye in the promos of 'Gangster'. I think this industry needs lots of talented newcomers like her.'

Bobby is now looking forward to working with fellow Aquarians Abhishek Bachchan and Preity Zinta, and also Amitabh Bachchan in Shaad Ali's 'Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom'.

'Mr. Bachchan and I have worked together in 'Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyon'. But that film was out of the theatres before we could say the title.'

Bobby is also in a family saga called 'Apne' where he will share the screen space with his father, Dharmendra, and brother, Sunny.

'That's a very nice subject. We shot portions in Bangkok for quite a while recently. I did some very tough boxing shots in a stadium in Bangkok.'

Bobby shot fighting sequences with a group of trained boxers including an African-American from New Jersey named Johnny, who's playing a villain.

'Boxing is one helluva of challenging sport. Not only do you have to be physically fit to practice it, it also makes you more physically fit. Boxing has made me more conscious of my physique. I needed that push. And I thank 'Apne' director Anil Sharma for it.'

Bobby has also signed a film with Abbas-Mustan.

'They're working on the script. And we should roll by the end of the year. But my next release is Samir Karnik's 'Nanhe Jaisalmer'. It's a very sweet film. I'm proud of it. I couldn't finish the dubbing before I left Mumbai because of a viral infection. So, I've just a couple of scenes to dub.'

Bobby will soon start working in 'Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom'.

© 2006 Indo-Asian News Service