“Bring your heart with you and not your funny bone” – Akshay on Patiala House

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

February 3, 2011 - 10:45 AM IST

For audience which would be stepping into Patiala House next, it would be time to enter a new zone. After being fed with humour of varying flavours in films like Tees Maar Khan, Action Replayy, Khatta Meetha and Housefull last year, it would be a far subtle 'smile through' journey that audience is being promised in this Akshay Kumar-Nikhil Advani-Rishi Kapoor venture. The man at the hot seat, Akshay Kumar, gets talking to Joginder Tuteja and explains how Patiala House isn't quite an out and out comedy but instead has a lot more to offer with a strong 'family' element imbibed in the proceedings.

“Bring your heart with you and not your funny bone” – Akshay on Patiala House

If I have to talk about the entertainment quotient of Patiala House, it is pretty apparent that the humour here is quite different from the kind that has been seen in your last three films like Tees Maar Khan, Action Replayy and Khatta Meetha. Is that right?

If you go back and look harder my friend, you will see that comedy in each of my last three films was all quite different. In fact Khatta Meetha was pretty much a chilling situational drama with an edge of slapstick comedy. Action Replayy was a very innocent 70's harmless comedy film whereas Tees Maar Khan was in-your-face-line-after-line smart ass comedy. Now Patiala House has very dry quiet comedy aspect to it.

Dry comedy? Can you please elaborate?

The point is that there is nothing loud about it; it's all about sensing the tone in this one. But please don't come thinking it's an out and out comedy. This is very much a family drama orientated film with cricket as its portion of thrill. So bring your heart with you and not your funny bone (winks).

Please don't come thinking it's an out and out comedy

Going by the promos, it also seems that Patiala House has a definite class appeal to it. However there are bound to be voices that could well be challenging the film's mass viability in the interiors of the country. How do you address that?

All I can say is that there are millions of families all over India. Patiala House may not be a typical mass commercial film but it's a very touching one for sure; the kind that inspires & encourages all generations with all kinds of hidden problems. I cannot drag people to theatres but I can say with confidence that there will not be a dry eye in the audience that night!

I guess incorporation of cricket element in the film could well bring in masses as well, right?

For sure. The legendary faces you will see me bowling to in this film, it will be like watching the IPL on the big screen at the Oval inside the cinemas. As much as the film is about relationships, it is the sport of cricket that not only makes and breaks the 'Patiala' family but it encourages people all over not to give up.

Like...?

Even if the fight seems impossible in life, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. In most cases it tends to be your mother's or your wife's love that makes the impossible become possible but sometimes all you need is a 'Chance' (smiles).

Well, talking about love, in the film you have Anushka Sharma as your co-star who, with a hat trick of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Badmaash Company and Band Baaja Baaraat, has proved that she is one capable actress. I am sure with an experienced actor like you opposite her, she would have gone an extra mile to make an even bigger impact, right?

Ah yes, I must say that our Anushka has a vital role to play in this film. She is my shoulder, my brick wall and my unconditional support in this film. She is an extremely talented actress who has even shocked me on the sets with her ability.

You seem to be quite impressed with her.

Oh definitely. There is no doubt how far this lady will go in this industry. If she keeps intact the intelligent and calm head that she has now, she will most definitely be sweeping all the awards one day!