Ye dil maange more!

Arjan Bajwa might be over 10 films old in Bollywood, have a significant presence in southern cinema, but he insists that as an actor he’s hungry for more.
Arjan has just wrapped up Apoorva Lakhia’s Hide & Seek, is working with Hema Malini in her directorial venture opposite Esha Deol and reading scripts in Tollywood. Life has of course changed dramatically with his critically acclaimed role in Fashion, and Arjan admits that he’s eager to do “solo hero” projects and action-packed films.The actor who says his “best” is yet to come, in an interview with Hyderabad Times.
You’re an architect who turned to modelling and is now doing films.You also got yourself a blackbelt in taekwondo. Are you a bit of a Jack of all trades?
I want to master many things in one lifetime. I have a creative bent of mind. That’s why I studied architecture. I love martial arts, so I learnt taekwondo. Modelling was a stepping stone to acting. I’d love to play a macho character on screen and make use of my martial arts skills.
What made you change your screen name to Deepak for Kollywood and Tollywood films? Has it to do with numerology?
I began my acting career in Telugu films. And I got known as Deepak there...I can’t even remeber how it all started. But when I debuted in Bollywood films, I made sure that everyone knew me by my original name.
You’ve worked with both Mani Ratnam (Guru) and Madhur Bhandarkar (Fashion). Have they offered you more films?
Mani sir treated me more like a student, while Madhur sir was like an elder brother. I have learned a lot from both of them. I was in Turkey recently where I also caught up with Madhur sir. He told me he has a project in mind and that once I return, we will sit together for a narration.
How was it like working with Hema Malini?
Hemaji is the epitome of beauty in Indian cinema. She is the ultimate dreamgirl. Every time I would tell her this, she would always say, ‘Enough! I am not that beautiful’. She’s actually very reserved and modest in real life. She’s so caring that it was like having a mom around on the sets.
Rang De Basanti, Gangster, Gulal —you were dropped from all three films.
Yes. I was suddenly informed that I was no longer a part of these films. But it’s in the past. Such things keep happening in the film industry.
You have been working in multi-starrers...No ego issues at all?
I don’t really mind what kind of films I am doing (solo hero/multi-starrer) as long the characters I get to play are significant to the film. Having said that, yes, I am waiting for a solo film where I play the protagonist.
Are you doing any Telegu movies?
I am reading some scripts.
Is it difficult for boys, who have worked in films down south, to get roles in B-Town?
No. It isn’t difficult. It all depends on whether an actor fits a particular film or not.
Are you still single?
Find me a girl, please! I’m single and am hoping I’ll find my dream girl soon some day.