Page 58 - CineBuster Vol-3 Issue-04

I NTERVIEW
“In real life I have two brothers.
All of us can go to any length
to protect one another. This
feeling is prevalent since
childhood and will continue
forever. We are emotionally
attached at home”
54
Riteish Deshmukh was sporting a military crop haircut. Though he
was sporting this look for some event, he didn’t divulge much. ‘Why
are you in such short hair look? Is it for an upcoming project ?
‘No. After I finished shooting Baaghi 3, I
decided to do something different with my
hair. It’s not exactly a school-haircut but
almost after 12 years I have cut my hair so
short.
What prompted you to do Baaghi 3 ?
It’s story. I have done quite a few films
involving two or three friends but not done
a two brothers movie. The story of Baaghi
3 explores a bond between two brothers of
contrasting personalities. Though I play an
elder brother, who is meek and weakling,
my emotional bond with Ronnie, played by Tiger (Shroff) is of high
intensity. In the film Tiger does high intensity action and I am totally
away from it. Their relationship is like mother-son bond where though I
am his big brother, he mothers me, takes care of me. The story is quite
unique in a way as younger brother being protector.
How did you connect with this brotherhood emotionally ?
In real life I have two brothers. All of us can go to any length to protect
one another. This feeling is prevalent since childhood and will continue
forever. We are emotionally attached at home. Talking about Baaghi
franchise, Baaghi 2 had great action and Baaghi 3 has extraordinary
action, involving Tanks, Choppers etc. But what attracted me to this
role was the emotion the scripts clings on to.
It means, you are driving the story ?
I am not driving the story but like I said earlier, because of the emotional
bond these brothers share, all the breathtaking action takes place.
Actually Baaghi is a franchise taken forward by Tiger Shroff, Shraddha
Kapoor, Ahmad Khan and of course Sajid Nadiadwala. I was surprised
when Sajid called me to offer a role in Baaghi 3. I was like, what will I
do in it? And I was flying to USA next morning. But Sajid enquired if it’s
okay if ahmad (Khan) came over for a narration. Ahmad came, we had
lunch, he gave a narration and I immediately said yes. I was so much
hooked that I instantly felt like this is the story I would love to watch on
the big screen. If I get to work with any talent which is different from
me, I am more than happy.
You have been part of quite a few franchises. How was it to come
on board in this one ?
Frankly I was asked whether I would love to be part of this franchise.
There are many instances where other actors have been part of
franchises. Abhishek (Bachchan), John (Abraham), Bobby (Deol) etc
have joined francises in-between and they were cool about it. For me,
as long as a role is great and there’s wonderful story in place then I
prefer being part of it, franchise or no franchise. I have always been an
actor who loves to work with as many people as possible. Again, every
actor has his own viewpoint on his career. Right from my childhood
I have been a film-fan. I am fortunate enough to have worked with
CINE BUSTER n MARCH 15 n 2020