Arshad Warsi on 'Durgamati': I was the most spooky thing on the set
By Ankita Mukherjee | First Published Dec 6, 2020, 11:14 AM ISTDurgamati: The Myth, remake of a South Indian horror film Bhaagamathie is about to release on Amazon Prime Video starring Bhumi Pednekar, Jishhu Sengupta.
Arshad Warsi will be seen playing a thrilling role of a politician in his upcoming movie Durgamat. He spoke exclusively with Asianet about his character in this film, how he prepared for this role, his real-life horror experience, and much more.
Q: The trailer of the movie is roaring on the internet, and you are playing Ishwar Prasad. Give a little sneak peek of your character.
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A: So what you see, he is actually. He is a good politician, and that's pretty much. I can't really tell you more cause I don't want to ruin it for the people who don't know him. He is a very interesting character, and he has his own shades.
Q: How did you prepare for this role, to shine through the central female character?
A: To be honest, I prepare my roles in my head. I am always thinking about the character all the time, that what I did with Ishwar Prasad too. I knew how he is that he is a politician and these all he does, this how he looks and behaves. And you know, the feedback that you get from your writers and directors. So, Ashok our director he gave me all the information I needed on the character plus I also had the visual reference from Mr Jairam who played my character in the original version. So it wasn't that tough it was rather pretty clear and straight.
Q: What made you choose this kind of role?
A: More than the role I kind of look at the script. I always look for a good film because I believe if people don't like the movie, then it doesn't matter how good your role was or how well you acted. So for this film, I felt the script is really nice and interesting, and then I heard my role. So I thought it's a good role and a good film, let's do it.
Q: What thoughts do you have when you go in for a shot?
A: I only think about when is the "pack-up" going to happen...(laughs). But, honestly, I don't think too much. I do what my director tells me to do; I don't stress.
Q: How was it working with Bhumi Pednekar and Jisshu Sengupta?
A: Very nice. I enjoyed it. She is a lovely actor, nice girl and very hard working. So, it was a good form.
Q: It is a horror movie, so do you believe in ghosts and spirits in real life?
A: Well, that's a bit debatable. I am not very convinced about the fact mostly because I have never experienced it and my thing is seeing is believing. So, I have only heard things not seen anything, and many times it just could be a feeling. And you know I always keep saying that why do we see only ghosts of human and not of animals?
Q: Did any spooky thing happen during the shooting?
A: Nope..No. I think I was the most spooky thing on the set...(laughs)
Q: You have been working for big screens for so long, how it is now to work for the OTT platforms? What changes do you see?
A: I just like doing good work... OTT is absolutely fine, though I was a bit hesitant about it. I didn't know what I was getting into, but I liked the script so much of Asur that I jumped into. And, now after shooting for Bachchan Panday, I will be back with the second season of Asur.
Q: Your next upcoming movie is Bachchan Pandey, how excited are you for this one?
A: very excited. I have been looking for working with Akshay for the longest time. I'm a big fan so it's going to be a lot of fun.
Q: Akshay Kumar is the producer of this, so was he around during shooting?
A: No, he wasn't. I realised he is really good as a producer. He initially came to set up the entire shoot, and when we were shooting, we haven't seen him. Now that we are promoting the film, now we see him. So, he's there exactly where we need him, and that's wonderful.
Q: You had been missing from the big screen for a long time then you made your comeback with Asur, a web series. How much do you think the industry has evolved?
A: Well, there is a difference, and there isn't. For an actor, it is the question of acting, so it really doesn't matter. But, the web series is a bit more real; they are documentative. So that aspect is there, which is not too much. But in films, it goes at a little slower pace. But you know, in reality, it's pretty much the same. It's like making the same dish in different utensils.
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