'Akshay Kumar is an inspiration' - Kabir Sadanand

 

Almost half a decade after Tum Milo Toh Sahi, director Kabir Sadanand is now returning with Fugly. This time around he has youngsters for company as actors with Akshay Kumar as a producer, which by itself makes his film a notable affair that is expected to fetch attention. Catering primarily to the youth, Fugly is apparently an unconventional and unpredictable ride with various twists and turns at every juncture.

'Akshay Kumar is an inspiration' - Kabir Sadanand

 

 

From a rather serious affair like Tum Milo Toh Sahi, you seem to have taken an entertainer route with Fugly.

 

Yes, and credit must be given to Ashvini Yardi for that. She agreed that the script of Fugly was good but then added that other than passing on a message, it was also important to entertain audience. So when we looked at the script, we wanted to make sure not to preach or look at changing the world. We have just shared our thought and now it is up to the audience to see how and what to adapt. The funda was to keep entertaining all the time.

 

 

Why Delhi as a set up for the film?

 

If you pick up a major city in North India, especially Delhi, you would find people with very crude rustic language and attitude. I have been brought up in Delhi in Subroto park. When I was young, there was no air conditioning or car at my home. I used to go to Nazafgarh or Janakpuri to play cricket. I used to travel in DTC buses without tickets while pretending to be staff. I have been as true to the city as a Delhi boy would be. Hence, I could also bring in a lot of memories and true incidents.

 

 

 

How did you adapt this to the world of Fugly?

 

The film's thought was conceptualized based on the three kinds of societies that exist in Delhi. One, which is on your face middle class. Then there is this satellite city crowd which is found around Delhi. And then there are bureaucrats. The mixture of all these three societies is very interesting. I had a job in hand to pick up something from different parts of Delhi and then put them all together for Fugly.

 

 

The characterization appears to be on these lines.

 

Exactly. Vijendra is playing an MLA's son, he is a Jat. Mohit Marwaha is a typical Lodhi Road guy who stays in a Bungalow. Kiara comes from Trans-Yamuna and is an army-man's daughter. Arfi plays this boy from Chandni Chowk. Mansha is a typical Punjabi Bagh girl. And then of course there is Jimmy who is from Delhi Police. He is playing this Haryanvi Jat who is not scared of anyone. All of them form the crux of the film.

 

 

Talking of Jimmy, apparently the two of you were in touch for the longest time?

 

Yes. I used to envy Jimmy as we both had started our career together as actors. I think he is an amazing actor. He is a great friend to have. I generally discuss scripts with him at a concept level but for this film I just shared the script with him when it was ready. He read it and reacted well on Chautala's character. He asked me whom did I have in mind for it. I said 'you', and he was on.

 

 

 

How did you get hold of your other actors?

 

I met Mansha in Sarojini Nagar market where she was fighting with a shopkeeper (laughs). I didn't know who she was and whether she was an actress. When I asked her if she could act, she got confused and shocked. Later, she came from the audition and cleared. Vijendra is my friend, so I called him for an audition. He has an equation with Akshay also. He heard the script and really liked it enough to play the role. Mohit was suggested by a girl called Shilpa in Ashvini's office. All of them were put through audition and were cast.

 

 

How about Kiara?

 

Meeting her was also very interesting. I was looking for a girl when my casting agency mentioned about her. Incidentally I met Anuradha Patel the same day who told me that Kiara was her niece and also an actress. When we auditioned her, she turned out to be a competent actor, and was instantly on.

 

 

With the entire package being ready, you must be thrilled to begin a new innings with none less than Akshay Kumar backing you.

 

Yes, of course, and also Ashvini. She was sure that the entire team went by the vision of the director. We all respected each other's opinions and were team players in making Fugly. While Ashvini is a pillar of strength, Akshay is an inspiration for us all.

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