“Kai Po Che is an extremely great film” – Amit Sadh

By Devansh Patel -

January 31, 2013 - 11:45 AM IST

To understand Amit Sadh as an actor, the two and a half minute trailer of his debut film is enough. Enough till you see his complex layered character of an aspiring a middle class Gujarati boy who explodes in the political domain. But in my 15 minute chat with the newbie, I sense he has all the markings of the rugged, roguish kind of an actor, all natural, yet seems to lack that 21st-century gene that makes movie stars care about whether you like them or not. But I like him already. His voice commands respect. His voice wasn't shy. He was ecstatic on his debut movie Kai Po Che, and in times when debutants try too hard to impress before their talent is seen on screen, Amit Sadh comes across as least ingratiating. Aspiring actors dream a career like Amitabh Bachchan. And yes, if all what I said above speaks volumes about Sadh, it's his hunger to keep working that may sling his career sky-high. Kai Po Che may not be his lead role he's looking for, but he is a leading man in all respects. Just read his answers below and you'll know why. Introducing Amit Sadh.

Movie star ban jaaoge toh itni power ka karoge kya? (What do you intend to do with the power you'll possess once you become a big star?)

(Laughs) Thank you for putting it this way. Whatever response and love I'm getting is impeccable. It humbles you. I just want to work harder, do crazier characters, come out with better performances and be more responsible. Being ordinary is the new extraordinary.

“Kai Po Che is an extremely great film” – Amit Sadh

Are you getting those debut jitters?

I'm not nervous because we've made an extremely great film. I think I am anxious because my movie will be watched by an international jury and audience. I am very proud of Kai Po Che. The aesthetics and the sensibilities of this movie will appeal to the wider audience. I want people to see our movie.

I'm sure you've put in 200% of what was expected of you from Gattu (Abhishek Kapoor)...

The idea of this movie was supported by real life incidents that took place in the State of Gujarat and we all are aware of it as citizens of our country. So I didn't have to do a lot of research. But I had to work hard on understanding my role. How a middle class boy would walk, talk, etc. Our costume designer Niharika Khan helped us with the right clothes and I worked a lot on my body language. The boy from small town Gujarat had to be endearing. I had to find that and I did it. I hope people see and relate to all characters.

And what about the language - Gujarati? Did you have a tough time being a Gujju?

(Laughs) Not at all. I had to learn the language but most of the film is in spoken Hindi. Yes, there is spoken Gujarati in the film but my character is of a Gujarati who talks in Hindi. So we had to bring out that Hindi. We had a dialect coach who taught us how the many Gujarati's talk in Hindi.

Besides getting tanned on the terrace flying kites, how much of Gujarat is sucked into you and how difficult was it to come out of your character?

Most of it. Actually we've shot 90% of the movie in Gujarat. It is difficult to get out of the character. When you create a character, you become somebody else. Your personality changes drastically. I mean, it took me a lot of time to come out of it. I went so deep into it for a year, to get out of that soul, that mentality, took time.

All friendship movies have worked wonders - Sangam, Dil Chahta Hai, Rang De Basanti, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Rock On. Friends for life with Rajkumar Yadav & Sushant Singh?

After Kai Po Che releases, yes - there will be competition, there will be a separation, but we are friends for life, yes. We were stuck together for 24/7 and today also we keep in touch. If we still maintain the respect we have for each other, it'll be wonderful. Even today Sushant would call and inform me of the movie he is doing next, I call Rajkumar and give him feedback. We all want to do well and we pray our friendship grows stronger by the day.

I'm in love with the two songs - 'Maanja' and 'Meethi Boliyan'. How often are you wired in to the songs?

I have music everywhere. From my car to my gym to my i-pod to my phone. I drool music. I am crazy about music. There was a line I was quoting from a Shakespeare play - As You Like It. The play starts with music. Music helps my lines too. Even while we were filming, my vanity van had a very loud speaker. Music keeps me in the right spirit. 'Yeh Rishton Ka Maanja' is such a beautiful line from the song 'Maanja'. There is a soothing and soulful rendition called 'Meethi Boliyan'. There is another song coming out soon.

I'm sure this was one movie you were dreaming about.

I did dream of a debut like Kai Po Che to be honest. I read Chetan Bhagat's 3 Mistakes of My Life a couple of years ago and just as a greedy actor, I wished I could act in a film like this and a role like one of the three would be so apt to kick start my career. It was a thought that went in and then I forgot all about it. Today the dream fell into my lap.

And tell me everything you want to about Abhishek Kapoor. Now is the chance...

I can keep on talking about Gattu all day long. That man Abhishek Kapoor, is a genius. As a human being, as a director he is and as a creative mind. He is so amazing. I can assure you, they'll see Gattu in every frame. And I think I am very lucky to be a part of this beautiful canvas called Kai Po Che. The detailing, the vision this man has is unquestionable. All I had to do as an actor was to land up on the set and offer him my talent. He has been a great motivator. He pushes you to the limit and then leaves you there. I loved his movie Rock On and I won't be surprised if he wins the Best Director next year. But more than awards, he is a rewarded director our fraternity has.

Watch Promo: Kai Po Che!