Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Oberoi Line Production’s Department directed by RGV and releasing on 18th May is a film about three men who get together to clean up the underworld. Gangster-turned-politician Amitabh Bachchan gives his nod to form a team within the police force called ‘Department' headed by encounter specialist Mahadev (Sanjay Dutt) who is assisted by Shivnarayan (Rana Daggubati). We spoke to the deadly Dutt about his new role.
Please tell us a bit about your character in RGV’s ‘Department’
I am playing a straightforward, tough cop in ‘Department’ who minces no words but has decided to abide by the rules of the system. Certain men are powerful and with power comes not just responsibility but also a heady feeling of being the ultimate authority. It is well-known that the system uses the police force for doing its work. The story here is about two cops whose views don't match. I am the one who flows with the system, and Rana has his ideals. I keep telling him if we go against the system, then we will be sent to godforsaken places!
Were there any challenges for this particular role?
There is nothing called a challenge in any role. I have been in the business of acting for 32 years now and if I haven't learnt the technique, then shame on me!
Please tell us about working with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and the rest of the cast.
It's always a learning experience to work with Amitji. Rana, I feel, can go places. He has the looks to handle any sort of role. He will definitely do well in Southern cinema, but in Hindi, I wish he concentrates on mainstream commercial films. I have tried my hand at all this parallel stuff. It doesn't work.
You have performed on Big B’s iconic track ‘Thodi si jo pi li hai’ for ‘Department’… how was the experience?
It was scary to perform to Amitji's song. Anyway, when it comes to dancing I am no peacock. Add to that, he was with me in this film. I couldn't even do those loud dialogues with him, dancing was next to impossible. To be honest, I simply copied his moves and I ought to be grateful that he has this amazing quality of making other actors very comfortable.
How do you deal with success?
I deal with success humbly. While it is good that films are making Rs. 200-250 crore, if I make a film with Rs. 30 crore and it makes Rs. 60 crore, I am overjoyed.
Have you changed as an actor over the years?
I haven't seen any change as an actor. I have not changed grossly but I have become a more frustrated person now. I get easily agitated these days.
Your take on superstardom
Actors are born but they never gain stardom because of being a star son/daughter or having any filmy lineage. Though my father Dutt sahib launched me in the film industry, ultimately it's my talent and hard work which took me places. Stardom is one such thing where a person is constantly in the limelight and has to be open about.
Any comments on Hindi Cinema finishing 100 years?
One of my biggest achievements in life is that I have had the opportunity to work with veterans such as Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip Kumar, Sanjeev Kumar and Shammi Kapoor. We are really blessed to be part of this generation that has seen Indian cinema grow.
Have you changed as an actor over the years?
I haven't seen any change as an actor. I have not changed grossly but I have become a more frustrated person now. I get easily agitated these days. That is Sanju Baba for you! The nice guy always! May his tribe increase!