It’s not a big deal to kiss: Arunoday Singh

In the city to shoot for his forthcoming film, actor Arunoday Singh gets candid about life and work in a chat with TOI...
Your grandfather, Arjun Singh, passed away recently. Now you’re back to shooting. Didn’t you take time off?
They (production) allowed me to go home for the first day. But life goes on — you bury the dead and move ahead. There are 45 people depending on the schedule, so I had to get back.The mourning happens in my mind and that’s for me to deal with.
Before the release of “Yeh Saali Zindagi” you said you are not a star. Post the film many thought otherwise...
It’s nice to know that people now think I have star quality. But honestly, I don’t think I’m a star. I walk around and nobody gives a sh**, which is nice because I want to do my work and walk away. I don’t want to be mobbed. I just want to be okay. Stardom is not something you chase. But the credit for all the great reviews goes to Sudhir (Mishra). An actor is what a director makes him. I’m still not the kind of actor who can shoulder an entire film.
So you are saying you still have trouble getting work?
Well, if people like your work, they praise it. I just hope that I get access to better work. I still have to audition because people don’t come up to me and give me roles. A few liked my work and that’s what matters. I’m not caught up in the whole ‘I want to be a star’ thing. I want to act.
So what made you say yes to “Buddha in a Traffic Jam”?
I really liked the script — it’s engaging, interesting and cerebral. It shows you something that you might have overlooked in this country. The theme is intellectual terrorism, which is a reality.
Your director, Vivek Agnihotri says this film is not for everyone.
I disagree. He said it in a way which sounded as if he is getting defensive about the film. I mean, if you make a good, smart movie, then let people watch and decide if it’s for them or not. I don’t think any film is made for a particular class or section. It’s unfair to say that it’s not for everyone.
Do you realize the importance of marketing a film?
I’m not an Aamir Khan yet, but now I realize the importance of marketing a film. It all began with “YSZ” when Sudhir let me get involved with the marketing process. My films like “Sikandar” and “Mirch” were good, but they never got their due because some guy sitting in the back office decided not to market it. That destroyed me. So now, I’ve realized that if it’s your product you are responsible for making people come and watch it.
So, that leaked information on the 22 kisses with Aditi Singh in “YSZ” was a publicity stunt?
I don’t know where that came from. Someone leaked it and then I started getting calls about the kisses and Mallika Sherawat’s record in “Murder”. Honestly, I didn’t count while kissing Aditi. I’m from New York City and it’s not a big deal to kiss. I’ve kissed a girl a 100 times, so what? If it gets people on the seats, what’s the harm?
No hang-ups about bold scenes then?
If I have to walk butt naked in a film, I’ll do it. I’ve done that on stage in front of a live audience because it was a David Mamet script and who the hell am I to say no to that? But I have a problem with people calling it sleazy before watching the film. I’m fearless and I won’t give a director grief about doing a bold scene if the script demands.
Have the zeroes on your pay-cheque increased post one hit?
Not that much, but the number before the zeroes has increased. It’s not like I’m charging a crore, so people shouldn’t have a problem. Right now, I’m focusing on getting more work. I still don’t know what it feels like when a role is written for you. I’m waiting for the day when an Imtiaz Ali calls me and says he has a role written for me.
sarah.salvadore@timesgroup.com