He seems to be in good company. With India's would-be Playboy model and actress Mallika Sherawat (Khwahish, Murder), and Hollywood star Jackie Chan flanking him in the film, Timebreaker (working title), Sudhanshu Pande's got it good.
The film is being directed by Rumble In The Bronx and Police Force director Stanley Tong. It has Chan having flashes of his past life, and Sherawat plays an Indian princess who also performs martial arts! Pande, for his part, will play an Indian character who chases Chan on a tiger. More on the film in conversation with Subhash K Jha:
From a television star in serials like Beta and Kaun to Jackie Chan's co-star. How did this happen?
Destiny, I guesss. I am in Shanghai now for two weeks. It is a beautiful city. I am alone. My colleague Mallika Sherawat arrived before me. I got this offer through producer Bobby Bedi. When I was asked if I would do the role I said yes immediately.
To work with Jackie Chan is obviously a great honour. They asked for my photographs. Then the director Stanley Tong came to Mumbai.
In the next two days, I was told I was in. The next thing I know I am in Shanghai shooting! The suddenness of it still hasn't sunk in. But yes if I pinch myself I know I am here now.
Have you met Jackie Chan?
Yes he came on location today [Monday]. I couldn't believe what a sweet, down-to-earth chap he is. I am really looking forward to working with him. Let's see how much of a difference it makes to my career.
It is quite strange that I have gone international without really getting a foothold in the Hindi film industry.
But let's see, I have three Hindi films lined up for release. I have almost completed a fourth, Yakeen, where I play a very interesting role. I wish I could tell you about it. I definitely want to make it big in my own country. I am hoping good things will happen to me now.
Before my Jackie Chan film finishes in October and releases by February 2005, I am sure my Hindi films will be released. The second schedule [of Timebreaker] will be shot in Hampi, Karnataka, in October.
In a Jackie Chan film, one hardly expects other actors to have a role.
I am not looking at the footage. The main thing was the chance to break through internationally. If they have called me all the way from India, it is definitely going to be a good role for me.
I play an Indian character. They are going to dress me in a very ethnic every exotic Rajasthani-Punjabi outfit. But I will be fully clothed, no bare torso.
I am sure I will be noticed. Jackie Chan's films have a market all over the world. I can't imagine what will happen once this film releases. I would rather remain calm and focus on my work. I am very excited because my character chases Jackie Chan on a tiger.
Normally, people walk a dog, I walk a tiger. I think I am the chosen one!
Is yours an action role?
Not really. They have got some trained boys from Kerala who are going to fight Jackie Chan.
Is Mallika the main lead?
There are two female leads. One is a Korean girl. Mallika plays an Indian princess. Of course, Jackie will have the author-backed role.