Some people are born artists. And among the chosen one, is the supremely talented Amit Sial!
Who would have thought the guy from Kanpur, working in Australia, would one day manage to live his dreams of becoming an actor?
After making heads turn with his outstanding performance on Love Sex Aur Dhoka, Amit was also part of films like Coffinmaker, Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand Hogayi, Guddu Rangeela, Issaq and more.
Now, the actor is all geared up to play a challenging character in Titli, an YRF film. Also in line is his co-written and co-produced film Charlie Ke Chakkar Mein.
Tellychakkar.com got into a detailed conversation with Amit, who spoke at length about his projects, journey, the rules of the industry and a lot more....
With a foreign degree in business, what made you take up the hard task of acting?
I have always wanted to be an actor as I was always actively involved in theatres for years but then life happened! But when I was getting used to that phase, life again happened (smiled). I was in Australia for four years and had started enjoying it when recession struck and I had to come back. I tried my hands in the family business, but sadly, it did not work out. And then I met an old friend, with whom I had worked on plays long back. That's how acting came back in my life. I started a take away food centre, to keep the money coming and moved back to doing theatres. My old friend Randeep (Hooda) was settling in Mumbai, and I came down too. Soon auditions started happening and the journey began.
So which life did you enjoy more?
To be honest, both had their own share of fun. But I have come to a conclusion that I am most happy and satisfied when I am acting.
Tell us more about your character in Titli...
It has been said much about, but I am playing a gay character but it won't be established in a latent way. He is masculine, not gimmicky and has no such behaviour that is related to a homosexual person. I have had some references, having met people like that in Australia. Audiences might not even realise his sexuality but that is how we wanted it to be.
You are playing a homosexual character, who forces his brother to get married. Do you feel marriage pressure is a social evil in India?
Yes, it is all around us. I think every parent’s only dream is to see their children get married. I feel the reason of human existence is something more than getting married. I think we have been blessed with a life to do better things.
Producer Dibakar Bannerjee seems to have a soft corner for you...
I don't think so. Dibakar has a soft corner for the characters in his films. But yes, I can say that Kanu (director) has a soft corner for me (laughs). He has been telling me for long that he has something for me, and finally he gave me Titli.
Amit, actors with strong theatre background are lauded by all, but never given due work... Comment.
It is very true. Everyone compliments us but no one wants to give money. You cannot expect to get extra ordinary efforts without it, right? We may not be stars, but we have the satisfaction of calling ourselves actors, who know the craft of acting.
The debate between a star and actor still remains strong...
I think it should become illegal for people to get into acting without having undergone some kind of training. A fair opportunity should be given to people who are talented. Look at people like Irfan Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiquu or Manoj Bajpai, who had to spend 18 years to bring their talent to this great platform. So yes, actors can always become stars, but not all stars can be actors.
Your co-produced and co-written film, Charlie Ke Chakkar Mein (CKCM), is all set for release. How did it come about?
It came out of the blue. We had been just sitting and fiddling with ideas. Gladly, it became better with time and then Manish came on board. We got more friends involved who were ready to work as partners than just money. CKCM is a very special film for me and for all those who have worked on it. Today, the film has become bigger than us.
Your wife Aanchal is also part of the film. How was it working with her?
It was really difficult (laughs). She is my worst critic and I am hers. But yes, we got to know a lot about each other through this film.
As an actor, do you want to stick to theatres and movies, or are you open to doing TV also?
Recently, when I was out of work, I did try TV and the response was overwhelming. Everyone mentioned that I am a subtle actor, but they don't want that. I think my future in TV is quite grim and dark. Today, with the web series becoming an important venture, I think it is an interesting ‘passage’. They do not have the nonsense of censorship and moral policing, and thus a maker can work more freely.
You mention out of work moments in life, doesn’t it leave you frustrated and hurt?
It does hurt, but then when a wound stays with you for quite a long time, you tend to get fine living with it. You get cynical, frustrated but then comes a point when you laugh at it. It is way of life and I am okay about it. You will be fooling yourself if you believe that you can be happy always. Disappointment, pain, failure are emotions, part of our life. We should never be afraid to accept any of it.
So what next? Aother projects in the pipeline?
There is a film that I am working on, For Bindiya Call Jugnu. It is a tale about a prostitute Bindiya and her pimp Jugnu, played by me. The film will talk about their relationship. It is a super interesting project. But for now, Titli and CKCM promotions are taking up all my time.
Wish you great luck, Amit!
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