This story is from January 22, 2008

‘I am plain lucky’

Roshni Mukherjee / TNN / Jan 22, 2008, 00:00 IST

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‘To have bagged a venture like Pankh’, says newcomer Maradona Rebello. He talks to TOI about his favourite actors and the Bips quotient....

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Maradona Rebello (TOI Photo)“Bipasha and all the others were very sweet about taking care of me", says Maradona Rebello.
When did the acting bug bite you?
n I started modelling a year back. In fact, I had met this coordinator outside a multiplex. As I got introduced to the modelling ropes, I also started auditioning for films, print and commercial ads.
And people’s constant query of whether I had professional training in acting, got me enrolled in a theatre course under Raj Jagdishan. He trains only two to three students and I also acted in a play titled An Evening with Shakespeare and Actors. That was when I realised that acting was my true calling. I fell in love with the stage.

And how did Pankh happen?
One of the agents informed about the Pankh audition. I simply sauntered in, clueless about the fact that 250 interested
candidates had auditioned for the same.
Sudipto gave me two pages of the script and asked me to emote the same in my own way. The next day I did the same and he got it on record. Then he gave me an entire narration and explained that it was a dark film.
What was your reaction?
When I heard the script, I felt that I couldn’t have been luckier. But the dark film concept got me a bit reticent. Eventually, I gave in.

A 21-year-old would usually love a commercial film debut. Didn’t you house similar desires?
The fact is, people are opening up to new kind of cinema. Commercial films are a passe. Look at the star cast. It is sure to turn a few heads. I am plain lucky to have bagged this venture.
With the rich cast of Bipasha Basu, Lilette Dubey, Mahesh Manjrekar, Daya Shankar Panday, Kiran Karmakar, Asha Sachdev and Sanjeeda Sheikh, do you think the audience will notice you?
I wouldn’t exactly agree to that. The script is a great one.
Even Sanjeeda Sheikh is debuting with this venture. Are you apprehensive that she might be the cynosure of all eyes as she is a popular face on the telly?
I house no such fears.
This is also the directorial debut for Sudipto Chattopadhyay. Any fears on that front?
On the other hand, I don’t know if Sudipto was apprehensive to cast me. But he was a hard taskmaster on the sets.
You dropped college to fulfil your acting dream. Isn’t education important?
I was in the final year of college doing my Bachelors in Mass Media when I got this offer. I dropped a year only after consulting my principal, professors and parents.
What if you get another lucrative offer post Pankh?
I want to be a graduate. But I will drop another year in college, only if the offer is something as great as maybe, Pankh Part II.
You are already said to be a part of Sudipto’s next?
Nothing’s finalised as yet but he has given me a script.
What was it like acting with Bipasha?
Sudipto had introduced me to Lilette and Bipasha before the shooting commenced so that I got over my fear of acting with big names. I must admit that Bipasha is very approachable.
What do you remember most about her?
There was this serious scene where I was supposed to carry someone. I tripped on a prop and banged my head on the floor. Bipasha and all the others were very sweet about taking care of me.
Then there were times when I had to smoke as I play a drug addict. Since I am a non-smoker, there was a time when I started puking after inhaling too much of smoke. Bipasha was sweet enough to help me feel better.
How are your friends reacting to your changed status?
They always knew that I would get into acting. The one question they keep asking is about Bipasha. ‘Is she hot’ is the first question that’s shot at me.
Now that you have entered the industry, what kind of films would you like to do?
All kinds as long as they make sense. I know dancing and I’m also a state-level judo player.
Any Bollywood favourites?
Kay Kay Menon, Konkona Sen Sharma and Ranvir Shorey.

About the Author

Roshni Mukherjee

Roshni Mukherjee is chief copy editor-cum-correspondent at Calcutta Times. Her work includes editing and writing. She writes primarily on Tollywood. Films are an area of interest for her – she likes to catch up on the latest, whether it's Tollywood or Bollywood. Good music and any books that make for an interesting read will find a taker in her.

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