Riteish Deshmukh tells Rachna Dubey.
Many found Apna Sapna... crude.
It’s a light hearted comedy. From what I’ve been told, the film is doing well, the collections are good and in fact they’re improving.
I’m sure the film will do better in the forthcoming weeks. It’s a little naughty but not nasty. I don’t think the movie is crude. The audiences are enjoying it. Only the critics think otherwise.
How comfortable were you saying lines like, “Mera santra gir gaya?”
I was very comfortable.
Did you have any reservations about the scene where Anupam Kher put his hands up your dress and felt your body?
I was aware of that scene, it’s meant to be funny. I did the scene as professionally as the other scenes.
Did you enjoy playing a woman in the film?
It was the most uncomfortable part. I learnt it’s tough to be a woman. Threading, waxing, and shaving body hair were quite painful. My mother will now get to see how I’d look if I were her daughter.
Do you think producers initially signed you because of your father?
Films didn’t happen because of him. If I have to give credits, I will give it Vashu Bhagnani (Out of Control) and Indra Kumar (Masti).
When they signed me for their productions, my father wasn’t the Chief Minister of the state. My father has neither met these people nor spoken to them. My films did well and that’s why I’m here.
After Masti, was it a conscious decision to do comic roles?
Only comedies came my way. Today, I’m associated with light comedy films. As long as a film works and people like me, it’s fine. My next release, Cash is an action film. Naach and Darna Zaroori Hai were not comedies. I’m ready to experiment. I’ve only been here for three years. It’s too early to get typecast.
Have you cringed watching any of your films with your parents?
Yes, I have. I cringed while watching Kya Kool Hain Hum for obvious reasons. Also, some portions of Masti embarrassed me. I knew what was coming, but they didn’t.
Would you marry an actress?
I’m too young to think of marriage. I need to find the right match for myself. As of now, there’s no question of marrying someone from the film industry or outside. Work is my focus.
Why are you still single?
I don’t think there should be any reason for being single.
How do you manage to resist attractive actresses?
They are all beautiful women. Getting attracted to the opposite sex is inevitable. But when a man walks out of his house he doesn’t get attracted to every woman he sees.
I share a professional relationship with all my co-actresses. I have immense respect for them. Your work environment and upbringing make a world of difference. I know where to draw the line.
Do you enjoy the Mr Clean tag?
That’s a cool title. I don’t project myself like that from rooftops. I’m not doing anything consciously to project myself in anyway.
And what if one day many skeletons topple out of your cupboard?
They won’t topple out. (Smiles) I have a walk-in wardrobe. It’s stacked with my stuff. There’s no room for them.
There were rumours about Genelia D’Souza and you. Are you in touch with her?
They were plain rumours. We were never seeing each other. She’s a good friend. I’m always in touch with good friends.
d_rachana@dnaindia.net
