Saurabh Shukla on Jolly LLB 2!
Saurabh Shukla, who has gone down in the books of film history as the legendary Kallu Mama from Ram Gopal Verma’s film Satya, speaks up to a leading daily about his upcoming film Jolly LLB 2, which also stars Akshay Kumar. Here are some questions from the interview.
When asked about his part in Jolly LLB 2, the actor says:
My role is still the same judge, Justice Sunderlal Tripathi who has traveled to another city where he finds another character who is also jolly and there is another case, which is entirely different.
When asked to choose between a good script and a big star as the most crucial element for a film’s success:
It’s a very personal choice; everybody has a take on it. You have to think about the kind of film you are making and what you want out of it. Do you want success in terms of money, power? Then you have to look at all these things like the whole paraphernalia what makes you successful in terms of numbers. But if you are exploring art then I guess nothing else is more important than your own journey. I guess the wise thing to do is to find a balance between the two, so that you reach out to the masses, speak their language but at the same time keep exploring your art.
On asked for a reason for choosing Akshay Kumar over Arshad Warsi as the lead:
You should ask this question to the producer or the filmmaker because casting an actor is their call. As an actor and being a part of the same film, I feel it had to be another actor because it is a different story set in a different city and a different character. So it is bound to be another actor. And Akshay (Kumar), yes, of course, is a big star. He has done several films of his choice like Baby, Special 26, Airlift, and Rustom. He also loved Jolly. So it’s a win-win situation! There is no point in finding a crack in the wall. I think he has done a great job. He is fabulous as Jolly in the current one. So everything is resolved in that. Yes, of course, Akshay is a bigger star. He will bring in people and make the film bigger. What’s wrong in that?
When asked about his experience of working with Akshay Kumar:
It has been fabulous! This is the first time I have worked with him. He is a very charming man and extremely dedicated. Those who have not seen him at work, they should do so. He is so particular. He is not concerned with himself; he is concerned with the film. He does not come on the set as a star. He rarely goes to his room to rest. In between shots, he is either rehearsing the lines or chatting with co-actors. He is completely a wonderful person that way! He is really inspirational.
When asked to choose his personal favorite role played by him from his career:
Roles for actors are like girlfriends. You always like the latest one! (Laughs) My present girlfriend is Sunderlal Tripathi and I love it!
After Jolly LLB 2, Saurabh Shukla has Jagga Jaasos in store for us.
We wish Mr. Shukla all the very best for his on-screen tussle with the new Jolly!
Image credit: Salamat Hussain
