‘My character has a lot of character in it’

NEIL NITIN MUKESH, 24, is grand son of the legendary singer Mukesh. He is debuting as an actor in a crime thriller Johnny Gaddaar starring Dharmendra and Rimi Sen. In New York on a two weeks vacation, Neil is banking on the success of this film for the launch of his career in Bollywood. The film is being directed by Sriram Raghavan of Ek Haseena Thi fame. Excerpts from an interview with LALIT K. JHA

As Mukesh’s grandson and Nitin Mukesh’s son, it would not be wrong to expect you to take to playback singing. Why did you choose acting?

I continue the legacy as an entertainer. You can entertain people whether it is through singing or acting. As far as singing is concerned, I have been trained for couple of years but as Mukesh’s grandson, it would be difficult to match up to the expectations of people. As a child I did a film with Yash Chopra called Vijay when I was four-years-old. I also acted in Jaisi karni waisi bharni.

What does your father have to say about your decision to break away from family tradition of singing?

My dad told me to do whatever I feel like. My father was very encouraging when I told him about my decision to be an actor. He was very excited when I was invited for the role of junior Rishi Kapoor in Vijay.

My father believes that whatever I do, I must keep the family name high. So that is what I am here for and I am working hard.

Who are the other stars in the film Johnny Gaddaar?

Rimi Sen is in the lead role opposite me. Dharmendra is playing a very pivotal role in the film. It is a crime thriller.

When is the film expected to be released?

The last schedule is likely to start mid-September. The film is expected to be released early next year.

What was the experience of acting in your first film like?

I thought acting would be tough. But, since I was an assistant-director with Yash Chopra for four years, it was comparatively easier. And Sriram is such an experienced director, it has been amazing to work with him. It has been difficult in the sense that the character is slightly complex. But the experience is both tough and enjoyable.

What was acting with Dharmendra like?

He is great. He always wants to teach you and never makes you nervous. He is like a father figure.

Have you sung any song in the film?

No, I have not sung any song. The film does not has many songs.

What are your future plans for Bollywood?

I have not set any target for myself. I am here because I know that I belong to this place. Probably working hard enough, and leaving the rest to the God.

Do you have any other film lined up?

I have a couple of projects lined up. But do not want to reveal anything as yet.

What brings you to the US?

I am on a vacation. My father is touring North America. I am here with my family.

Who are your role models in Bollywood?

I have severalAmitabh Bachchan for one. I respect him for the way he is working even at this age. His performance still carries the punch, the same power. Among the younger generation I like Hrithik Roshan. He is such a big star yet very humble.

Why did you choose a crime thriller for debut, why not a love story?

I wanted to start a film like this because I am playing a character in Johnny Gaddaar. In love stories, one normally does not get an opportunity to play a character. I need to prove my talent as an actor first. This character has a lot of character into it. Initially, I want to play character based roles.