Every industry has its own charm: Siddharth

HIS case can be described as the mystery of the disappearing man. Why else would Siddharth disappear from Bollywood after the smashing success of his debut Rang De Basanti?
But he’s back with Striker, in which he plays a carrom champ and which was delayed due to the recession and the industry strike. He’s also sung for it. “It’s a high energy, romantic, commercial pop song with a raw edge.I have infused the song with my personality,” he says.
Explaining his hiatus after RDB, Siddharth says, “After RDB, my expectations from Hindi films were high. I wanted the right film to follow it. I was looking for a solo hero film so that I could make a mark for myself in Mumbai.”
But didn’t he rave about the ensemble cast concept before the release of RDB? “It was good in RDB. All my Telugu films have been solo hero projects. I didn’t like what I was offered in Bollywood. The follow-up to RDB couldn’t have been just a decent film. So, it’s been worth waiting for a film like Striker,” he states.
Siddharth hopes to focus on Bollywood now. “Right now, I’m busy making my mark as an actor. I’m praying and hoping Striker is a success. Fortunately, I have good relationships with film-makers in Mumbai. I’m looking at scripts right now. My next will definitely be a Hindi film and it’ll be a romantic one,” he assures.
Does he agree with the observation that male actors from the south don’t flourish up north? “Likewise, many Bollywood heroes haven’t succeeded in the south. My Hindi is as good as my Telugu. As long as I get good work in Bollywood, I can prove that theory wrong,” he maintains, adding, “Every industry has its own charm.”
Talk veers to his cult following in Germany. “More people in Germany and Poland watch my films than people in the north. They’re kind enough to follow me, although I haven’t had the chance to visit them yet. I want to do more work and be less bratty and lazy for them,” he smiles.
Follow us on Twitter for more stories