I still need to fit in: Abhay Deol

Actor talks about rough times in Bollywood, future prospects and relationships.

MUMBAI: Abhay Deol, who is currently busy having ‘too much fun’ in the United States of America, says he’ll be returning to making movies soon. The actor says that he’s a little “picky” about his movies, and that he needs to become more “media savvy” to “fit in” the Bollywood film industry.

In an interview, Abhay Deol spoke about what he has been up to of late, his career, future plans and love life.

Deol clarified that he has not migrated to the US but that he will soon be returning to work. “I’m having too much fun here in the US! I have two confirmed projects back at home, a big commercial film and a small off-beat radical one. I may have found the perfect balance,” said Deol.

His last Bollywood outing, One By Two proved to be both a critical and a commercial failure for the actor as not only was he starring in the film, he was also producing it.

“I learnt a lot in my outing as a producer and it has opened many new doors for me. In life you only learn from taking chances,” noted the actor-producer.

Despite his brilliant performances in recent films such as Shanghai and Chakrvayuh, the actor has taken up very few projects. As to why he did only a few projects in so many years, Deol replied, “It’s a media driven world and I guess I need to be more media savvy. I’m also very picky with my films. It’s hard to find the right fit.”

He added that, “After so many years, I still need to fit in! I’ve heard many people say that to me. Maybe that is true, maybe it is not. I believe that if a filmmaker wants to work with you and use you for what you have, then he or she will do it. That’s how both Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! and Dev D happened.”

As to the films that have been the most satisfying and most unfulfilling for the actor, he says, “Most satisfying would be Dev D, Shanghai and Manorama Six Feet Under. They were heavily driven by the characters. Least satisfying would be the ones where I didn’t have much to do.”

Talking about his current mindset, he says, “I’m in a very good mind space. Ups and downs come and go — the important thing is to live them fully and understand them.” The actor added, “The more experiences you have, the more you understand as long as you remain open.”

It’s unknown to many that the star has done a course in welding as well.

Discussing future prospects, he reveals, “Right now, most of my focus is on the acting and producing front. All my energies are focused on making the next film that will break the mould.” On turning to the direction side of movie business, he says, “I have no plans to turn director. I’m not in that mind space at all, so I wouldn’t go there until I feel sure that I am ready.”

On planning to tie the knot with his long-time love Preeti Desai, he confirms, “I’m not getting married anytime soon.” Delving into the subject of relationships, he states, “I don’t define relationships that can’t be. It’s everything and nothing at the same time — the kind that make you learn how to live and how to be.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, March  9^th,  2015.

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