Adil Hussain recently discussed his role as a British police officer in Sikaar, highlighting how it differs from his past impactful characters. Reflecting on global versus Indian cinema, the actor shared insights on the evolution of storytelling and the responsibility filmmakers have in shaping societal norms. Hussain also talked about his passion for biopics, mental health practices, and his desire to work with iconic actors and directors. Excerpts...
Your roles in films like Parched, English Vinglish, and Life of Pi have been deeply impactful. How does your character in Sikaar differ from or align with the characters you've played in the past?This film, Sikaar, meaning 'hunt' in Hindi, features me as an Indian-origin British police officer who is very mature and well-travelled. It was a lot of fun to play this particular role.
What drew you to this script, and how do you think it will resonate with audiences?I believe it is a very interesting thriller, and I haven't worked in many thrillers before. It's set in a beautiful location on the Isle of Wight in England, and I had the opportunity to work with fellow Assamese actors. The fact that the story travels from Assam to the UK, exploring that part of the world in an Assamese film, is probably a first or second attempt. I wanted to be a part of it.
You've worked across various platforms, including international cinema. How does the experience of working in a global context compare to working in Indian cinema?The experience of working in different film industries within India and globally is quite varied. In Western countries, particularly in Scandinavia where I've worked not only in films but also in theatre, they are very disciplined, organised, precise, and meticulous about planning. In America, it's normal to have a very well-planned shoot, and if something isn't planned, it's a surprise.
In India, especially in Bombay, there is a fair amount of planning, but you can still expect some hiccups or delays. In Assam, there are many surprises. If a shoot goes smoothly, it's a surprise; if it doesn't, that's normal. In Bengal, it's relatively smooth, but still, it's interestingly chaotic. Hollywood projects, like Star Trek, are meticulously planned, eliminating surprises beforehand, making the experience smoother. In India, different film industries bring fun in confronting these surprises.
Given your extensive experience in both commercial and indie films, how do you see the evolution of Indian cinema, particularly with the rise of diverse storytelling?I believe there has been a huge improvement in storytelling and craft. The new generation of filmmakers wants to make a difference in storytelling and align it with international standards. However, there is still a long way to go. Decision-makers who fund or approve projects often don't match the quality of filmmakers, directors, and other talents. Their understanding of cinema and what constitutes good cinema differs from the craft and taste of those in the industry.
The entertainment industry has seen a surge in biopics and real-life inspired stories. Is there a particular real-life figure you would love to portray on screen?There is a trend towards making biopics, but we should focus on characters from history who contributed significantly to social reforms and shaped our consciousness in India, rather than solely on valour or heroism. I would love to portray Rabindranath Tagore. I would also love to play Shankar Dev, a saint in Assam, though I am probably too old for that role now. But Tagore, definitely.
With the success of films like Animal, which explore complex, often controversial characters, what do you think about the ongoing trend in Bollywood that seems to glorify toxic masculinity? Do you believe the industry has a responsibility to approach such themes differently?This is a very tricky subject, but I believe cinema is such a powerful medium. It shapes people's worldviews, their ideas about life, how they feel about certain issues, relationships, love, and patriotism, especially for those who don't read much or don't have access to complex, nuanced books. For them, film is the go-to medium for enjoyment, and yet they are influenced by the views the film expresses. You might be aware of the documentary
Five Came Back on Netflix. American filmmakers were sent to Europe during World War II to get real footage and then returned to America to make films to inspire American youth to join the army and fight across the Atlantic. It has immense power, so I only advocate or urge filmmakers to understand that they have a very powerful medium in their hands, and they must be responsible in how they use that medium.
Subjects like male chauvinism and toxic masculinity are very important issues to address, but they should not be glorified. You should not glorify something you know is toxic and harmful to society. Discuss these issues, analyse them, and discourage people from embracing them. Once you know something is not good for your health, society's health, or your family's health, you do not glorify it. That is a disservice to society.
Mental health and well-being are increasingly being discussed in the film industry. How do you manage stress and maintain your mental health amidst the pressures of the entertainment world?Each of us must find a way to stay calm and de-stressed. I practice techniques taught by my spiritual guru, including breathing exercises and meditation. These practices help me stay at peace and calm, although it’s a difficult world to navigate. It’s important to look after emotional and mental health, as they are interconnected and affect overall well-being.
Do you still have a bucket list of actors and directors you want to work with?I have many people on my list. I would love to work with Anthony Hopkins, Dustin Hoffman, and several European actors. Directors like James Cameron are on my list, as well as arthouse film directors like Rima Das and Sam Bhaskar Hajarika Padmukumar Narsimharau. There are so many directors I would like to work with.
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