Sunil is happy with cameo roles Trans World Features
Actor Suniel Shetty is a true businessman. The way he is juggling two careers that of a producer and an actor one will envy him. Right now he is all excited about his recent film EMI, that has been produced by his production house Popcorn Motion Pictures and he is hopeful about the film doing good at the theatres. The actor speaks to TWF correspondent Rahul Ghosh on his films, production house and future plans.
The first obvious question… why do we see you in fewer films these days?
(Smiles). Maybe because the directors think there are no roles for me. No…to be very honest I remain too occupied these days with my productions house. It's a huge responsibility but I am a very satisfied person today.
That gives you an opportunity to act in your own films?
Ha…ha…ha… but I don't want to mix up two things. It's a conscious decision, I don't want to act in films that I am producing. As a producer I am a true businessman. I am happy acting in films directed and produced by others, but not mine.
But you did a cameo in Mission Istaanbul, which was from your own production house?
But as you said that was just a cameo and I agreed to do that because Apu (director Apoorva Lakhia) requested me. He is a dear friend and I can't refuse my friends. Moreover, it was an interesting role too that suited my image.
And what about your best friend Sanjay Dutt?
He is in your next films EMI. What are you expecting from this film given that Mission Istaanbul did not work at the box office.
Certainly I am expecting a lot as the producer of the film. I am happy that the initial response of EMI has been good and I hope it does better. Moreover Sanjay is there and I think he is one of the most bankable stars today. He can carry any film on his shoulders. He is a star who value can me estimated…maybe he is worth millions. We are great friends and it's growing stronger with every passing day.
So you have high hopes with EMI…
Of course because our production house is on an expansion spree. We are going to produce more films in the coming days along with Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms. It's really shaping up well.
Why Ekta Kapoor? You could have done that all on your won.
Yes we could have but for the simple reason that Balaji is one of the most respected names in the industry today. Ekta is again a good friend. So we are really happy working with one another.
You are taking like a true businessman.
(Laughs) So am I. I come from a family of businessman. I have to be.
Tell me something… why do we see you mostly doing cameos.
I have to adjust a lot between two things — production and acting. I am too tied up with production and really don't get the time these days but I am no way going to give up acting.
Understood but as an actor visibility too matters. Right?
Yes so I am doing those odd films. It's not that roles are not coming but after so many years I too have to be selective. I look for good roles and at the same time roles that I can do justice to.
So where do we see you next?
As of now there are two films, Anant Mahadevan's Red Alert and Indra Kumar's Daddy Cool. Both the films are of different flavours. I am particularly looking forward to Red Alert, which is based on the Naxalite movement.
What about the sequel to Phir Heri Pheri? Wasn't that too supposed to be done by this time?
Things got a bit delayed but I am really hopeful about that too. I am sure it going to happen…probably we start shooting early next year. And I promise it's again going to be a hilarious one. (smiles)
Okay. We too will look forward to that.
Yes please... there will be lot more in the days to come.
