Exclusive! Aftab Shivdasani on 21 Years of ‘Mast’: The film gave people hope that they would meet their favourite film star someday

After impressing one and all with his performance as a child artist in ‘Mr India’, Aftab Shivdasani made his debut as a leading man in Ram Gopal Varma’s ‘Mast’ in 1999. And ever since then, there has been no looking back for the actor.
As ‘Mast’ completed 21 glorious years on October 15, ETimes got in touch with the actor. In an exclusive interview, Aftab spoke about his experience working with RGV, his bond with co-star Urmila Matondkar and more.Excerpts…
‘Mast’ completed 21 glorious years on October 15. How does it feel?
It feels amazing and nostalgic at the same time. Honestly, it just feels like yesterday. The film is very close to my heart as it changed my destiny. Even though 21 years have passed, I feel I haven’t even begun and there is so much more to do.
What is it that makes this film relevant to the audience even today?
I think it was the simplicity and innocence that was prevalent throughout the film. Also, I think so many fans idolise their favourite film stars that the idea resonated with a lot of people and it does even today. And somewhere the film gave them hope that someday they can perhaps even meet their favourite film star.

How did your life change after the film?
My life changed 180 degrees. Before I got ‘Mast’, like most 20-year-olds, I was searching for a purpose and direction. Even though I always wanted to become an actor and do films, I didn’t have a Godfather or nor did I come from a film family. So I didn’t really have a ready debut film to walk into. ‘Mast’ happened to me by chance where Ramu ji saw one of my commercials and got in touch with me directly so it was pretty much like a fairy tale in my life. After that, I was on my way to doing what I loved most - acting. I have never looked back since.
This film marked your debut as a lead. Tell us how you got the role.
I was searching for a direction in my life when one day out of the blue I got a call from RGV himself on my landline. It was 11.15 AM and my mum picked up the phone. She too was surprised and thought it’s a prank that Ram Gopal Varma himself would never call us, maybe his office or a manager. But when I took the phone, he introduced himself and said he would like to meet me at the earliest. I jumped out of bed and went to see him immediately. He met me and explained the film to me and sat with me for about an hour. I was pinching myself all through trying to make sense out of it all as it happened so suddenly. A week later, he came home and narrated the entire script to me over dinner. When I went down to drop him off at the car, he shook my hand and said, “Congratulations, my casting is done.” I can never forget those words as they changed the course of my life permanently… and for the better.
How was your experience shooting with RGV? How is he as a director?
He is a genius who is in touch with the pulse of an actor and allows the actor to come into his / her own by giving them the freedom to perform. He was a man of a few words but his work and direction expressed what he was thinking. I loved working with him as he allowed me to be myself on screen and hence got out the best in me to make it look natural and convincing.
How was Urmila Matondkar as a co-star?
Urmila was on top of her game at the time and an amazing actor and a thorough professional at her job. As she was a senior and someone I looked up to, we had a very polite and respectful equation. She would always appreciate my work and helped me whenever I needed it.

Did you take time to open up or you both clicked immediately on the set?
We had a healthy professional relationship as she was quite reserved as well. But once we were rehearsing and giving the shot, I think the chemistry was very evident through both our performances which is why I guess the film still resonates with people today.
Do you have any fun memories from the sets of ‘Mast’?
I have loads of them as it was my first film so it will always be special, from the time I met RGV for the first time to the first day of the shoot. On my very first day, I remember we were shooting a fight sequence which led into a song ‘mere hero’ at a theatre in Sion where there was a lot of crowd in the theatre. I could hear some whispers throughout the day as there was this huge curiosity as to who I was especially opposite Urmila in RGV’s film after ‘Satya’. That day at lunch the crowd started coming to me and asked me for autographs as there were no selfies at the time. I signed a whole lot of autographs which was quite overwhelming for me as I had not even thought of what I would write as my autograph at that time! But the whole experience was extremely special. I have too many things I can say about the film and its experience but will reserve that for another time.

Did you guys ever plan a reunion?
No, but it would be amazing to have a reunion. Of course, I have met RGV many times after that as I worked for his production for a few films after Mast. I have also bumped into Urmila socially a few times and it’s always been great to see her.
If the film is ever remade, who do you think should play the lead from the newcomers?
I think unconventionally so I would suggest I would play Urmila (a male film star) and cast a new girl to play me (as in reversed genders). I think that would be quite interesting.