He first acted as a child artist in Chaalbaaz, Shahenshah and Mr India.
When he grew up, Ram Gopal Varma spotted him in a few commercials and gave him a break with Mast in 1999. Today, Aftab Shivdasani is 16 films old and has established himself in the industry.
He spoke to Syed Firdaus Ashraf about his latest film Koi Aap Sa, co-starring Natassha and Dipannita Sharma. Produced by Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Films, it is a triangular love story. Excerpts from a conversation:
Can friendship and love go together?
Yes. There has to be friendship in love. It is all about compatibility and understanding each other. What is love? It is an understanding between two people. An emotion that brings two people together. I don't believe people who say one cannot marry one's best friend. Koi Aap Sa deals with this subject.
Hindi films are changing. Women having children out of wedlock is accepted nowadays. Is your film just as progressive?
It is a social film. A social issue takes place, which we have not revealed in the promos. People are opening up to the fact that women are having children out of wedlock. Both Kya Kehna and Salaam Namaste were hits. This is accepted now.
Only your comedy films like Awara Pagaal Deewana, Hungama, Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega and Masti have clicked...
Kasoor was also a hit in 2001. Yes, comedy has worked for me but so have other films. People feel I can do comedy well, and that is a feather in my cap. Fair enough. But I don't want to limit myself as an actor doing comedy. I am experimenting a lot now. I just need one non-comedy film for people to see me as an all-round actor.
Do you miss doing commercials?
Yes. A lot of people don't know that I started my career as a model. The last ads I did were for TVS Scooty and Relaxo slippers.
How would you describe yourself?
I am an introvert. A shy, honest person.
What are your forthcoming films?
There is Jaane Hoga Kya on human cloning. I play a double role and it will be out in November. Then, there is Darwaza Bandh Rakho, a black comedy. I am also doing Vikram Bhatt's Aakhir, based on an extramarital affair.
How do you see your transition from Ram Gopal Varma's Mast?
I have matured as an actor. I have a greater understanding of situations around me. I have become wiser and more patient. I'm willing to wait for the right project. There have been lots of changes in me after Mast. I was at home for nine months, doing nothing last year. I was not happy with offers coming my way. But I wasn't insecure. I was happy and willing to wait.
Are you open to playing the second hero?
It depends on what kind of role I get. If it's a good one, I will surely do it.
