'There's so much to learn from Sridevi'

Rising star

Though he stepped into the film industry with the movie ‘Aks’, he got his big break in Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Gulaal’ where he essayed the role of Ransa Singh. Actor Abhimanyu Singh is popular for his negative roles in movies like  ‘Lakshya’, ‘Rakta Charitra’, ‘I Am’ and ‘ Ram Leela’ to name a few.

He has also created a space for himself in the South Indian film industry with films like ‘Thalaivaa’ and ‘Gabbar Singh’ among others.In a conversation with Surupasree Sarmmah, the ‘MOM’ actor talks about his journey till now.

 How did your tryst with acting begin?

I was into modelling in my college days and had come to Mumbai for a fashion show. I watched a play while I was there which was directed by Makarand Deshpande and had Anurag Kashyap as an actor.That inspired me to take up acting. Perhaps the fact that one can live so many lives at once attracted me to it.

 What do you keep in mind while choosing your scripts?

I see how important and relevant the character is in the entire parameter of the story. When I feel that the character is so important that the story cannot do without it, I go ahead. There should be some kind of angst and intensity in the character.

 You do a lot of off-beat films, what attracts you to them?

Today, cinema is becoming very realistic. I am attracted to these characters because I feel that it’s time to show the audience something which is close to reality.

 How was it to work with Sridevi?

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. She is very supportive of her co-actors, has the right kind of attitude and is disciplined about her craft. There’s so much to learn from Sridevi.

 You have also worked in Tamil and Telugu movies... was language ever a barrier?

Not really. I understand the meaning of every word and the situation and then I go for it.

 Your dream role...

I would love to play the character of ‘Maharana Pratap’. I have read about him and I am quite inspired by him.

 A remake you‘d like to work in...

‘Do Ankhen Barah Haath’ by V Shantaram.

 Almost all your characters are negative. Are you worried about being typecast?

Not really. I am playing positive leads in my upcoming Hindi movies. As far as South Indian films are concerned, after the hero, the strongest force in the film is the villain. That way I am lucky to have played many negative aroles. Nowpeople are writing different kinds of characters for me.

 So would you call yourself a director’s actor?

Yes, I will. I believe that the director’s inputs are very important and I go by their instincts and imagination.