Dressed in a plain shirt and jeans topped with a blazer, Sidharth Malhotra looked dapper at the launch of PVR Iconic on Friday (August 11). After launching the property, the humble actor interacted with the media and patiently answered questions thrown at him. During the interaction, he said, “I don't feel like an outsider. I am in my own space. I am here to work and I am building my own relations and equations with the industry unlike some people who have always been a part of this industry.”
The actor, who will next seen in A Gentleman, had lots to share. Here are some excerpts:
Double the fun
Sidharth plays a double role in A Gentleman, an action comedy directed by Krishna DK and Raj Nidimoru. The characters he plays are poles apart. “On one hand, there is Gaurav who is a sober, 9-5 job type and loves to cook. He is unmarried and doesn't have a family but has already bought a mini van for his kids. And on the other hand is Rishi — lonely, aggressive and knows how to fight. The movie is a case of mistaken identity and the comedy that comes from it,” he said.
Which character he enjoyed playing most? “I had fun playing Rishi. I love outdoors and have bungee jumped previously. I have used all my adventure sports experience in the film and done the stunts myself while playing the character,” he answered.
Working with Jacqueline
The crackling chemistry between Sidharth and Jacqueline Fernandes was evident when they appreared together on Koffee with Karan.
Though they starred in Brothers, they did not have a scene together and only met briefly only during the promotions. Working together on A Gentleman, they bonded over fitness. “Jacqueline is a very good friend and an amazing personality to have on set. I have never seen her getting stressed out over her previous work or anything else. She always makes a sincere effort to be happy and smile. I love that she's a multi-tasker, very hardworking and I respect the fact that she is a self-made person,” he added.
Coping with failure
Sidharth believes that every film has its own destiny. “It's very disheartening if your film does not do well, but I am not the type to take it lying down. I pull up my socks and use the angst of a movie not doing well in my next film” he says.
“It wasn't easy in the beginning. It tested me a lot. There were low points, lot of struggles, and some depressing moments where I questioned myself on what exactly I am doing, but today I am here giving interviews so I guess it has all paid off,” Sidharth added.
Speaking about personal life is unproductive
Sidharth has been linked with his co-actor Alia Bhatt on a few occasions but he has always shied away making any comments about it. He believes that it is not productive to comment on personal relations, it does not help him grow as a person, as an actor and is a total waste of time and energy. “That is what maturity is in the industry. Things will be personal for me but it will be news for someone else. It's my choice whether I want to keep it personal or put it on social media for the public. I'd rather put my energy in promoting my film or building a brand or making myself more accessible,” he asserts.
Equation with Karan Johar
The trio of Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra made their debut in the industry with Dharma Production's Student of the Year. Karan Johar has nurtured and mentored them throughout their journey. But Sidharth claims that he is now out of the initial uncertainty phase of his career and has developed an instinct and understanding of the business. “My relation with Karan is friendly and give-and-take now. He's always there to help but it's not possible for him to be guiding us all throughout. I'm making my own mistakes now,” said the actor who was highly appreciated in Dharma Production's Kapoor & Sons.
Bonding with contemporaries
Unlike yesteryear actors, we do not get to hear about professional rivalry between the new crop of actors. Sidharth credits it to a major generational difference and change of attitude. He says, “The lot that came in the industry in the past 6-8 years is generally very easy and chilled out, also the fact that half of them are related to each other. Most have a strong bond because they are from film families and have known each other since childhood. Even though I have not worked with everyone, I know them socially.”
