Arbaaz wants to get into the digital space

Bollywood actor, director and producer Arbaaz Khan has made a name for himself with movies like ‘Daraar’, ‘Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya’ and ‘Maa Tujhhe Salaam’. His stint as an actor was much appreciated and he commands a huge fanbase.

Arbaaz ventured into film production with ‘Dabangg (2010)’ under Arbaaz Khan Productions, which was a huge box office success.

The good-looking actor was in the city as part of the ongoing ‘Phoenix Festival Season 2’. He, along with supermodel Georgia Andriani, walked the ramp for celebrity fashion designer Archana Kochhar’s New York Autumn-Winter Collection.

In an interview with Surupasree Sarmmah, the actor spoke about his love for Bengaluru, most challenging films and more.

How often do you visit Bengaluru?

I visit Bengaluru pretty often for work. Sometimes, I have come here a couple of times in a year. I love this city, its people, the weather and food. Everything about Bengaluru is very interesting. It is a wonderful city.

You walked for Archana Kochhar at the ‘Phoenix Festival Season 2’ recently and previously at other events. How is it to work with her?

She is a wonderful person and an amazing designer. She is very experienced and is a thorough professional. Having been in the business for the longest time, Archana has done some amazing work and created a name and a brand for herself.

When you are off work, what do you like to do?

When I am working, I tend to travel or spend much of my time in that work. So, whenever I am not working, I love to spend time with my family and catch up with my friends for a movie. I have once again taken up my childhood hobbies like playing the guitar, reading and listening to music. Moreover, I am a big cricket fan, so I like to watch matches. These things keep me going. I kind of like the spare time that I have.

What inspired you to become an actor?

I don’t know what it was exactly. I come from a film family — my father was already in the industry when we were born — so maybe that influenced me. I love the atmosphere, the kind of creativity involved. I felt like I was not meant for a nive-to-five job. I wanted to be in something that involves risks and would give me fame, name and recognition.

Which was one of your most challenging films?

As an actor, there are roles that are physically challenging and then there are roles that are challenging because they need a lot of skill. The one that was very testing in terms of physical need was this film called ‘Maa Tujhhe Salaam’ (2002). There was a lot of horse riding in it and we were constantly shooting in difficult weather conditions. Character wise, films like ‘Fashion’ and ‘Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya’ — where I had to get into certain kind of mood and attitude — were challenging. My very first film ‘Daraar’, was in fact very challenging for me as an actor. So was ‘Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story’. It used to take me two and a half hours just to get into the makeup and heavy costumes. Having said that, this is the profession that I have chosen and I want to go with it.

If not an actor, what would you have been?

I do ask myself that question and I think I would have become a singer.

What are you most comfortable wearing?

I am a very casual dresser. Of course, I like the look of a suit or a ‘Jodhpuri’ but for special occasions. Otherwise, I am a jeans and a T-shirt or shirt kind of guy.

What are your future plans?

As an actor, I have got a couple of films that are ready for release. There are a few other movies that I am signing up which are in the pipeline. As a filmmaker, I have ‘Dabbang 3’, which is in the making. Apart from these, I have plans on getting into producing more A-list films and experimenting with something on the digital platform like web series.