Vijender Singh may be a few films old, but with his latest release ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’, the Olympic bronze medalist professional boxer has shown true potential that is equally good as acting skills. The actor played the role of a ruthless goon Mahavir in the Salman Khan-starrer and was praised for his entertaining and action-packed portrayal. As the film made its way to a major OTT platform, Vijender Singh took out time to have an exclusive chat with News18 Shosha about his experience working with Salman Khan, will he be doing more films in the future would like, which actors they want to work with and much more.
Here are the excerpts:
You made your Bollywood debut with Fugli but then you went on to star directly in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. What is the reason behind this difference?
After Fugly, I was involved in professional boxing to a great extent and then I got a chance to work in a good film, so I couldn’t stay away from it for long.
How did you manage to play a negative character like Mahavir?
I think Salman Khan helped me a lot in that situation. He only asked me to think of negative characters like Amrish Puri and Pran. How did they get into their respective characters? He asked me to think about it. So I had that image in my head and when I was performing in front of the camera, I would imagine if they were here, how would they have done it? I love that part.
What was the most memorable experience working with Salman Khan?
Training with Salman Khan, following a special diet with him, working with him, learning from him, these are some of the things that will stay with me forever and I wish I get to work with Salman Bhai in another film soon. Get a chance to Project. And I hope he gives me a chance.
Being a professional boxer, did you give him any tips on boxing?
I took tips from him on how to fight on screen. He told me that on-screen fights are not like professional boxing and it doesn’t involve hitting the other person hard. He asked me to punch with open fists but I fumbled a couple of times but he was very thoughtful and imprecise. He was like ‘It’s okay. it happens.’. I had so much fun.
What are your views on people criticizing Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan?
I really liked the film. Critics can say many things about the film, its treatment, its story. But people are never satisfied. It is a good entertaining film and people are also appreciating it. I think our work is done.
There were rumors that you were going to make your acting debut in 2011 with Govinda’s Daughter but that didn’t happen. Do you think your acting career would have been different if that movie had been made?
No, regardless of the fact that it took a while, I’m happy. As they say, ‘better late than never’. Perhaps, if I had made my acting debut at that time, I would not have been able to justify my character. But I am more mature now, I have seen the world, I am doing professional boxing and I have learned a lot from it. So I’m fine. I don’t consider what will happen. Like I said, I’m happy where I am now.
What kind of praise have you received from your boxing colleagues?
People are liking my character and they are praising me that they enjoyed watching me on screen.
What kind of roles would you like to play in the future?
I want to do good acting. Not that I want to play the lead hero. Anyone who is good looking is a hero in himself. I want to become a good actor and adopt this art of acting. I am a good actor because it is all about expression. I have seen ups and downs because I have come from the village. I used to live in the city. I believe that with time I have become a better actor.
Apart from Salman Khan, which other celebrity actors would you like to work with?
I would love to work with Shah Rukh Khan. He was amazing in ‘Pathan’ and I would like him to give me this opportunity to act in a film like ‘Pathan’.
What are your thoughts on the current scenario of Bollywood?
Everyone works really hard at their craft. I don’t think it would be appropriate if I give him any kind of advice. It would be unfair. I’m still an amateur. Not that I am a professional actor. When a film is made, it takes a lot of effort and time and a lot of people’s hard work to make it the final product. So I believe people should go to the theaters and watch a film at least once to appreciate it. I want good films to be made. That is all.
Would you be interested in dropping Mark on OTT?
If I get an offer to represent an OTT platform, why not?
How will you strike a balance between politics, boxing and acting in the times to come?
wait and see. I’ll show how it’s done.