“I don’t mind endorsing ladies purses, thanks to Bagwati” – Farhan Akhtar

By Devansh Patel -

July 30, 2011 - 1:47 AM IST

Now if we all suspect Farhan Akhtar to have an affair with Bagwati, it'd be silly. But the actor himself admits that ever since the film has opened to a path-breaking opening at the box office, its Bagwati and not Katrina that people want more of. Farhan laughs out loud as I talk to him about itâ€¦ he explains, "I might even get typecast with Bagwati". You can't be sure about Farhan Akhtar when it comes to acting. Audiences were surprised to see the actor pull of one of the most brilliant comic performances in a long time. He did it so subtly that if you blinked, you'd miss it. But yet there is something powerfully protean, vague and unclassifiable about Farhan Akhtar. You never know what he will come up with next. His latest film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara has opened to a phenomenal box office figures and is still counting. And so is Farhan...counting the 'God knows how many' comments and critical acclaim that he's been receiving. For the moment, he receives my call and we talk of how the many 'zindagis' have changed in a matter of twenty four hours.

“I don’t mind endorsing ladies purses, thanks to Bagwati” – Farhan Akhtar

"I might get typecast with Bagwati now"

You are right; people have forgotten Katrina and love Bagwati (laughs). I posted on twitter too that I might get type cast with Bagwati soon (laughs). Honestly, the film is receiving great critical acclaim and an amazing box office reports and what more does an actor and a producer want? I am thrilled. I've got great feedback and I feel happy that people talk to me about my character and my performance in ZNMD.

"In a way it's good that people were taken back to Dil Chahta Hai. Shows they still love that film"

I don't compare films you know. ZNMD got people into discussions, debates, etc and that's what counts. In a way, it's good that people were taken back to Dil Chahta Hai because they liked the story of three friends. Here too they liked the same. ZNMD stirred a lot of questions and I like that.

"Excel don't typecast their actors"

If you see the kind of films being made at Excel Entertainment, you'll know that not only the film but even the actors are cast in the roles that suit them the best. We at Excel don't believe in typecasting. Of course I would like to work with all my co-actors again but it can't be a deliberate move. The actor has to suit his role.

"Yes I will do a boy film again if the role attracts me along with the script"

I won't shy away tomorrow if another film is being offered to me with three actors already on board. The question isn't about whether I will do a boy film again. The fact is what the three or four actors are doing that matters. The characters I've done in my past films have been different from each other. That's what attracts me as an actor.

"ZNMD, Murder 2, Delhi Belly and Singham have put a smile back on the box office"

Yes, the Indian Box Office is going through the best phase. It obviously goes to show that people aren't interested in similar kind of films. There was Murder 2, Delhi Belly, Singham and ZNMD. All four films are unique in their own way including their genres. That's what clicked I guess. Yes, Box office collections matter to us at Excel but what matters the most is the fact that people have shown interest in ZNMD and are going ahead and watching it no matter what.

"Don 2 is backed with anticipation and I like that"

I've been getting lots of feedback on Don 2 also. I like the fact that there is appreciation backed with anticipation coming in for Don 2. It's really putting me in a space that now I feel I have to get the film out there to all my audiences.

"I'd love to endorse ladies purses but the fact is that I haven't got any such offers"

I'd love to endorse ladies purses but the fact is that I haven't got any such offers as of now (laughs). Thanks to Bagwati, we'll have to wait and watch for the news break. But the idea isn't bad. You've made me thinking now (laughs).