Amit Sadh: India is a country of double standards

We have seen Amit Sadh play a multitude or roles over the past few years, and one thing can be concluded from his work: he really likes to challenge himself. And one such challenge that he happily accepted was to play Shivaji Nagre or more popularly known as Chiku, the grandson of Subhash Nagre aka Sarkar in the third installment of the Sarkar franchise which will hit theaters on May 12^th

In a recent interview exclusively with Bollyworm, Amit Sadh opens up about his character, his interactions with RGV and Mr. Bachchan, his violent past and a lot more. Here are few questions that he answered.

How did you bag this role?

One fine day I just got a message from Ram Gopal Varma which read “Amit, come to the office” and in his brutally honest manner, he stated “Amit, I don’t know who you are, I haven’t seen your movies, but Mr. Bachchan has recommended your name. And then we got to the photo shoot, they liked what I did and then I landed this part”

How was it like to be a part of this film?

Mind blowing! I believe for every actor, you feel in your first shot the same way as your last. You are going through a multitude of emotions, and then you have Mr. Bachchan, that itself pushes you to be a better actor. It made me more responsible, proactive and mentally present.

Was it difficult to transition into a character like Shivaji Nagre aka Chiku?

It wasn’t really a difficult. I bring in my life experiences. I have a very violent past. I’ve beaten up guys who have been 4 years elder to me. I’ve been through all shades of life. I’ve seen the best and the worst. I’ve seen castles and I’ve seen poverty. I’ve seen murders and seen profits. I’ve seen miracles as well as the darkest nights. I’m blessed that way. As Shivaji Nagre, my opening line from Trailer#1 describes me the best. I say “Yeh mat bhoolo mein kiska pota hu” . My character is more like how Subhash Nagre would have probably been had we seen him in his formative years.

How was it like to be around Mr. Bachchan?

I was honestly pretty petrified! In fact I slur a lot when I even talk about him, and talking to him one on one is a different experience altogether. I always tried to impress him with my choice of words. Observing Mr. Bachchan on and off the camera has been a very fruitful experience. I got to see why he is Amitabh Bachchan. The man has been working for nearly 50 years, and he is still the most hungry actor that I have come across.

Have you read Ram Gopal Varma’s Guns and Thighs?

I’ve seen the visuals. I don’t think I need to read if I’ve seen a few episodes and visuals. And I believe it’s going to be a cult. I’m just hoping that he gets to release it as a web-series, cause it’s just like Game Of Thrones, its only meant for streaming. But the problem is that India is a country of double standards. We will watch something like the Sopranos, Narcos and Game Of Thrones and we consider it to be a piece of art and excellence, but if we see the same kind of content by an indian producer, only god can save that person.

What do you have to say when your character is being compared to Aditya Thackeray?

I think it’s great! If you are able to draw similarities between a fictional character and a real person, I think that’s actually a victory. Because that only means that we have served the purpose of making the character look real and somebody is noticing. Isn’t that what we all want?

How is it like to be working with Ram Gopal Varma?

I think he is a genius. You feel so empowered when you are a part of a Ram Gopal Varma movie. He is all about work when shooting, and quite a conversationalist off shoot. You can pick up any topic and it can turn into an intense discussion with him. There is so much more to the man.

What’s your view on Rishi Kapoor’s tweet where he took a jab at the young Bollywood the other day?

I believe there are a lot more serious issues which need our attention. Such as the situation in Syria, the problems with immigrations, and even probably that security guard who probably hasn’t been paid for god knows how long. Why are we concerning ourselves with what has been said by whom over social media? We should concern ourselves and take action on such matters.

How’s it like to be working in a multi-starrer film?

I don’t consider it to be a multi-starrer film. I consider it to be a story with many people involved. I’ve been asked whether I have felt this jittery emotion when it comes to a movie like this one. I wondered why should I? I am working with the best actors in the world from whom I can learn so much. I feel blessed. I have been a domestic help. I’ve been a security guard for the UCB showroom in Delhi. Today I am in a much better place, as a few families are able to feed themselves because of me. I just want to thank everybody.