Tell us something about the subject of Ghuspaithiya
I have been hearing and reading the word Ghuspaith since childhood. The Ghuspaith (intruder) in this film is a digital intruder. Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives today and many people intrude into our lives through these smartphones.So, this film is about that. I play Ravi Rana, a cop who handles cybercrime. And what challenges he faces when he finds himself at the receiving end of cybercrime is what the film’s story is about.What is your take on the power of the internet and technology?
Any power can do good for you if you know how to handle it. If you don’t make the right use of it, it can destroy you. It is the nature of power. The internet space is a power. It can be used for the better. During COVID-19, when I got infected and was recovering, I ordered some cell phones and put together a network of volunteers across many districts to help people who needed oxygen cylinders, medicines, ambulances, food, beds etc. I did that for four months with the help of mobile phones and social media platforms. There were many emergencies too but there was no time for shedding tears. We were tracking up to 25 cases simultaneously. This was possible only because of technology and social media.
How did life change for you after Mukkabaaz?
There has been a huge change after Mukkabaaz. But at the same time, things didn’t turn out exactly as I wanted them to be. I used to feel hurt that I could not work with the filmmakers and production houses on my wish list in a bigger capacity. I didn’t have an answer to why. I got emotional during certain interviews during that phase and said certain things. I didn’t speak ill about anyone. But when I look back at that, I think it was my mistake or puerility. I work hard and somewhere I got attached to the expected results of my hard work. So, I was hurt a little when I didn’t see my hard work translating into desired results. But I learned from that.
What did you learn?
Every morning, I recite a shloka from Bhagavad Gita – Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana. I saw a change in me. I didn’t get the desired results. I don’t have any control over that. But I can relieve myself from the pain that hurt caused me. I still put in my best efforts. The results don’t affect me much. I don’t get too emotional about it.
Anurag Kashyap sets strict rate card for meetings after criticising ‘mediocre’ people who think they are ‘creative geniuses’
You have a special connection with Anurag Kashyap
I say what I feel and he likes that. I try to be as true as I can. That’s why he likes me as an actor and as a person. I like working with him. Whenever I work with him, I tap into something new within me as an actor which I have been unaware of. That’s the advantage of working with good directors. You become a better actor because you get a perspective on life and characters through their vision. Better stories and better directors have made me a better actor.
How do you look at Anurag Kashyap’s journey?
I think he’s a highly creative mind and very impulsive. Impulse creates wonders in creativity but in personal life, impulses go wrong sometimes. He is expressive about things beyond cinema as well. And because of this he sometimes attracts criticism. We have to pick our battles. I am working with him in Dhaar. It was the same Anurag Kashyap I got to know during GOW. I have experience of working with him on different films so I know that this Anurag Kashyap will create something special. I watched Maharaja and liked his acting in it. I liked the film as well. But he wants to direct more.
You’re working again with Reema Kagti after Gold in Superboys of Malegaon
I consider myself lucky that the directors I have worked with are repeating me in their films. I got a call from Reema and then I met the casting director Nandini Shrikent. The only concern was that the rest of the boys were in the age group of 20s. But Reema had confidence in me. I did a scene.
She had me in mind for Dahaad as well. It was an important role but I couldn’t do that because I was continuously shooting for multiple projects and Dahaad required a commitment for a longer period. I have done two projects with Reema Kagti, six with Anurag Kashyap, three with Drishyam Films, and two with Red Chillies. So, it feels nice when makers offer me different roles every time.
