The Unconventional Deol

We all love those dimples when he smiles.His approach is classic, his passion for acting is self-nurtured even after a family legacy into films. We are talking about the Deol with cute looks; Abhay Deol. Having made his debut with a classic rom-com ‘Socha Na Tha’, he has broken the stereotype of being categorised into the eight-pack brigade but has positioned himself with his film choices. With his latest release ‘Happy Bhaag Jaegi’ termed as a ‘comeback’ for him, he is loving every bit of the attention and plans to show more of him. Delhiites caught up with the ‘unconventional’ Abhay Deol and his warm smile was everything to die for

- Vani Malik

You are back on screen after a long-long time. How does it feel to be ‘back’?

It’s been two and a half years and it feels nice to know that you are still wanted. At least the audience is not saying go back or why are you here. I feel a little bad when people tell me that I should make more films now, so for the next two-three years, I don’t want to stop. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

What is the essence of Happy Bhaag Jaegi?

The film reflects the ‘desiness’ that we all have. Both the countries are not very different, culturally. In 70 years, no one can wipe out thousands of years of culture. I play a character who is from Lahore but has studied abroad. He speaks Urdu. I have learnt Urdu when I was 18, so that really helped in playing this. And, any well written story is appreciated by everyone.

How was it to play a Pakistani character?

I have learnt Urdu and I was aware of the ‘Nukhtas’. My vocabulary was weak but Mudassar was there to my rescue. He can speak almost every language. The script is engrossing, it has humour and I got to play a different shade on screen. Also, Urdu as a language is itself poetic and has its own effect on you.

You have always bagged charming roles. How has this been possible?

It is all about the vision of the filmmaker and also a part of your personality that you end up relating to the character. I have been lucky in that way to get roles with which I have been able to connect. The best is to find a common factor between the character and myself to relate to it. Also, the mannerisms are in you. One cannot be loud on screen if that’s not a part of his/her mannerisms.