Good looks are an advantage: Sammir

Even though he’s been pencilled in for some real big ticket B-town films, chocolate faced actor Sammir Dattani feels he still needs to go a long way to live his passion for acting. Samir aka Sandalwood’s popular heartthrob Dhyan claims he’s not just happy living his reel life but is also content with his real one too. Excerpts from an interview:- Your film career started off with a Kannada flick. Was language a barrier for you initially?Well, to begin with language was a hurdle but never really a barrier. This hurdle became smaller with every film I did. The director of my first Kannada film was extremely helpful and tutored me in the language. Now I have mastered it. You entered B-town with a Sooraj Barjatya production. After that you did some more films out there. But do you think you have been lucky in Bollywood?I feel blessed to have worked with ace directors and every moment with them was a learning experience for me and is an advantage. I strongly feel that for an actor, learning never stops and venturing into a new project helps you learn something novel. Do you think your chocolate boy-next-door image might jeopardise your chances if you take up an action-based role?I don’t think so. I did try something different with Mukhbir and so far I have always tried to experiment with myself as an actor. In the near future too, I’d like to continue doing this. But yeah, being good-looking is an added advantage, I guess (laughs). Especially when you are an actor.Your last screen outing in Bollywood was directed by Shyam Benegal. It was an absolute pleasure working with a legendary director like him. He is an institution in himself and actors who have got an opportunity to work with him have surely made their mark in the industry today. You get to learn so much from him as he bonds with you like a friend and makes things easier. Your new Bollywood film has a young team working on it?As all of us on the team are of similar age, so it was complete fun. All of us bonded really well on the sets. Even when the cameras were not rolling, we indulged heavily in having fun. When you see I Hate Luvstorys you’ll see how refreshing it is. I have known Sonam (Kapoor) for a long time, but I did become great friends with Imran (Khan) during the making of the movie. The three of us had a ball. How much do you count upon your latest flick for a firmer toehold in Mumbai filmdom? Truly speaking, I don’t really think whether a film will strengthen my position or not when I sign it. If I like the script and know that I can do justice to the role then I take it up as a challenge. I signed films, but never think of the outcome. It’s all about liking what you do.Is Tollywood on the cards too?Absolutely. If an interesting offer comes my way I would certainly grab it, as Tollywood is making some really good movies. I love the local film industry. Hyderabad holds a special place in my life, as both Mukhbir and Well Done Abba were shot here.What next?Currently I have a Kannada film and a supernatural thriller in my kitty. Follow us on Twitter for more stories