Though he was launched by Subhash Ghai as an antagonist in the 1985 film ‘Meri Jung’, one did not get to see Jaaved Jaaferi in as many films as one would have liked to. Despite being very selective about his work, Jaaferi has left a huge impression in the various things he has done. Apart from being an actor, he has been a VJ, dancer, ad filmmaker, copywriter, singer, producer and a politician. After being away from the big screen for a while, he will be seen in two films this year, one of which releases this week. Here are excerpts from an interview.
Why do we get to see so less of you?
I do not like to expose myself (laughs). If I am offered a role or a script which I like and feel that I would be able to add some value to it as an actor, I take it up. Otherwise, I am happy to wait for the right opportunity to come my way. I love my work and the medium of films. Also, what happens is that people tend to get offended when you say no to them. Not everybody is like that but there are some people who will not offer you a role for the second time after you say a ‘no’ to them the first time around. I think it is an actor’s prerogative to accept or refuse a role. If I feel I cannot do justice to a particular character, it would be unfair for me to play it.
The film revolves around Harsh Tandon, the character you play in the film. Is he an insomniac?
Yes, he is an insomniac. He is totally obsessed with his business. He does not give much time to his family and is seeing strange things which add to his troubles.
Is it a horror film or a psychological thriller?
It is a mix of both. I would call it a supernatural thriller. There is a bit of horror element but the film focusses on the relationship between the members of the family and the supernatural angle is very interesting.
What makes it different from the horror films Bollywood has churned out till date?
The film is very focussed on the story it wants to tell. It does not use any tried-and-tested formulas. In Hindi cinema, horror films are associated with romance, sex and music and the horror is quite gory. This film does not have any of these elements. It revolves around a family. When you watch the film, you will be completely sucked into the events happening in the film. Whether the family is in the car or lost in a strange forest, you will find yourself completely involved in the film as a viewer. There are several twists and turns which will keep you at the edge of your seats.
A couple of years back, in an interview, you humorously remarked that you did not know the meaning of the phrase ‘jab pyaar kiya toh darna kya’. By ‘pyaar’, you were cheekily referring to PR or marketing. Have you learnt the tricks of the trade now?
Marketing is a very important element of our industry today. I started with advertising as a model and a copywriter. I used to work a lot with Prahlad Kakkar and directed several ads myself. I understand the importance of marketing and advertising. I am a very friendly person but not very good at marketing or pitching myself as an actor. I am not averse to marketing but I like things to happen organically. Instead of doing PR, I would be happy if my work speaks for myself.
You have directed television commercials, produced two documentaries namely ‘Inshallah Kashmir’ and ‘Inshallah Football’, both of which went on to win a National Award each. Is there a plan to direct a film next?
Yes. I have dabbled in different aspects of filmmaking and have enjoyed doing everything I did in these last several years. These days, a lot of producers just execute things but I invested my own money in those films. I also produced a couple of television shows namely ‘Once More With Jaaved Jaaveri’ and ‘Back To Flashback’ for Epic Channel. I plan to direct a film next year. I have been working on two ideas. Hopefully, I will be able to finalise one of them soon.
There is a lot of excitement for ‘Total Dhamaal’. Can you share something about that film?
The film has a massive cast comprising of Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Boman Irani and Pitobash. If just the fans of all these actors com to watch the film, it will be a huge hit. The film is being made on a much bigger scale than the first two films in the franchise and hopefully, live up to the expectations of the audience.
What are you doing next?
I am playing Sidharth Malhotra’s father in ‘Jabariya Jodi’. It is being directed by Prashant Singh and produced by Balaji Motion Pictures.