"I can see whistles and claps whenever my character makes an appearance on screen in Raqeeb" - Jimmy Sheirgill 
By Joginder Tuteja, May 14, 2007 - 09:31 IST
Jimmy Sheirgill is doing it all. For every gray role [Bas Ek Pal] he goes on to play an out and out villainous role [Eklavya - The Royal Guard] whereas for every realistic character [Delhii Heights] he has an out and out masala flick [Raqeeb] to boast. Truly, he is an actor who has in him to surprise every time he appears on screen.
First things first. What exactly does 'Raqeeb' stand for?
'Raqeeb' means rivals in love. It is about one girl who is wooed by two men. Who gets her eventually forms the suspense of this dramatic thriller.
But don't you feel that a title like this may not really be comprehended by an average man on street?
We do hope that the audience does get the title. Aur phir aap title to kuch bhi rakh sakte hain jaise 'Lallan Chale London', it doesn't make much of a difference Ultimately it is the promos and an entire packaging that makes people go and watch the film.
How much has been Raj Kanwar's involvement with the project in the capacity of the producer?
He has been involved even in script writing and Anurag acknowledged this fact in the music release function too. Now Raj Kanwar has moved on to do different kind of cinema and has become a little experimental. Meanwhile he is entrusting the people he has worked earlier with to make the kind of films that he has specialized in ever since he started out.
Who controls 'Raqeeb'?
Anurag, absolutely! He is the one who had a tight leash on the proceedings though Raj Kanwar was always there to ensure that there are no issues when it comes to getting the best resources to make 'Raqeeb' a quality film. We all used to meet on a constant basis and share thoughts to give audience a likeable entertainer.
What was so attractive about this character?
Sheer massy feel in the way it was written! I have never done such character before but here I can see whistles and claps whenever my character makes an appearance on screen. I was always waiting for such an opportunity to come where I would say ki yaar, ek aisa massy character mil jaaye! In 'Raqeeb' I have found the one.
Were you always the first choice for this role?
[Laughs] That's another interesting tale! We were having this script narration by Anurag where he pulled all of his together. In the middle of the narration itself I jumped and said that hey, I want to play this character. Anurag asked me to hold on and wait till the end.
When my stance remained the same even in the end, Anurag said he was convinced now about the choice for an actor to play this character since he always had me in his mind. So it was kind of a win-win situation for everyone.
Coming to a different topic altogether; with relative newcomers like Rahul, Sharman and Tanushree, you must have felt like a veteran on the sets, isn't it?
[Says with a shocked expression] Believe me, this never came to my mind till this very moment when you asked me this question. Me, a veteran? Naah, never looked at myself this way. You make me sound so old now [laughs]!
So how have the kids performed in the film?
Stop it now [says with mock anger]! Let me talk about Anurag first. He is in his 20s but it was good to see him being so clear about his thoughts. Whether it is shot taking or making some instant decisions, he does them all quite well. Rahul and Sharman are required to be a little realistic though in cinematic boundaries and they have pulled it of quite well.
This leaves us with Tanushree.
She has an author baked role and is one character that binds everyone and everything together. She has worked quite hard on the film as she is required to play 3 different characters. She has that edge about her which makes it all so special.
3 characters for one girl? It would have been quite difficult?
Ask her! Seriously, we could see her putting so much of an effort. For us men, it was easy as we used to give our shot, chill out a little on the sets and go home. Poor Tanu, she had to go back to Anurag again to get ready for her next scene since she had to interact with each three of us leading men. I have really seen her slogging it out big time. Watch out for her, she is gonna shock the audience big time!
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Rahul, Jimmy, Sharman, Tanushree in Raj Kanwar’s 'Raqeeb’
