Actor Aftab Shivdasani feels fortunate to have survived in the film industry for so long and for still being accepted by the audience. Aftab started his career as a child artist in Mr India and did films like Shahenshah, ChaalBaaz and others. He later made a come back with films like Mast and Kasoor, which did well at the box-office.
Barring a few success stories like Awara Paagal Deewana, Hungama, Masti and 1920 Evil Returns, Aftab has not been able to hit the big league. “I had a fascinating journey. I have been lucky enough to be accepted as an actor by the audience. My films may not have done exceptional business or been blockbusters, but I was fortunate enough to be accepted by public, who are my true critics,” says Aftab.
“If I am still working in the industry then it’s a boon. I thank public and God for this,” he says. However, the actor maintains it’s the films that failed to create a mark at the box-office and not his performance. “I have worked with reputed directors and banners. In my case, the films have gone wrong. I have been lucky enough to get appreciated for my performances. I realised that (performance) is not enough, the film has to work. Despite the films not doing well, But despite that, I am still here and it feels great. Now I am focusing on commercially viable films,” he said.
Aftab is quite excited about Grand Masti, a sequel to the comedy Masti. The movie brings back the trio - Vivek Oberoi, Riteish Deshmukh and Aftab. “Between Masti and Grand Masti, Riteish and I worked in two films so the connection was never lost,” he says.
While the film directed by Indra Kumar, is being touted as an adult comedy, the actor says he is quite conservative in real life. “I am fairly traditional in my mindset. As Indians we are ingrained with certain traditions and values. We may find this film a little bold but it does not take one in a sleazy space. It is pure comedy,” Aftab says.