An Exclusive Interview With Arjun Rampal

Tehzeeb’ is a film about a mother and daughter, and the conflicts between them. It’s directed by Khalid Mohammed. I was very nervous initially to be a part of this film....Arjun Rampal on 'Tehzeeb'

'Tehzeeb' Preview

What was the cause of your nervousness?
My director, Khalid Mohammed is also a film critic, and has written such bad things about me sometimes, that I was sceptical about working with him. But he turned out to be such a cool guy. It was great to break the ice. One thing I learned from this episode - about people and relationships - is that you must never make a judgement about anybody until and unless you really get to know them.”

So, how is Khalid as director?
He’s great. He’s much focussed. It’s good to have a director who knows what he wants to make and doesn’t get confused. Khalid’s very good with dialogues too. He’s got a great flair for the language. In fact, I play a writer in the film who is also the sutradar (narrator) of the film and Khalid has given me some great lines.

So does that make yours a special appearance?
(laughs) Yes, my role started off as a guest appearance. I had only four good scenes initially. But as the film progressed they all enjoyed my role so much that they developed it into quite a full-fledged one. Credit for that should go to the cinematographer, Santosh Sivan. He was the one who fell in love with my character.”

‘Tehzeeb’ being a woman-oriented film, has there been much scope for you to perform?
In every film you try to justify yourself as an actor and do as much justice as you can to your role, however long or short it may be. I’ve worked with five very beautiful women - Shabana, Urmila, Namrata, Diya, Diana in ‘Tehzeeb’, and was completely spoiled and pampered by them. I had a blast making this film.”

  Which of the five women were you most impressed by?
All. But I must say that Shabana is absolutely magnificent. This is the first time I had such an up-close personal experience with such a fine actor. She’s what I would call a true method actor. The day she came onto the set, you knew she had worked out each and every detail about her role and her character – from her costume to even the earrings she was to wear; she’s so particular and so effortless.

  But Arjun is used to being surrounded by women?
By beautiful women? I guess so. I have two waiting for me at home.


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