Rahul Dev, the model villain!

TOI engages Rahul Dev, the fitness fanatic actor, in a one-on-one...
How���������������������������s Sultan the Warrior coming along?
Well, it���������������������������s a big movie being made on a big budget. I play the main villain���������������������������s role opposite Rajinikanth. This movie calls for great patience and sure is taking the longest time.We���������������������������ve finished the first schedule of the movie in Hyderabad. Right now, it���������������������������s in a limbo and I have no idea when the next shoot is.
Are you disappointed?
I wouldn���������������������������t say that. We can���������������������������t let go of the fact that it���������������������������s an animation film that���������������������������s bound to take time. Then, there was the recession to contend with.
How did Aadhavan happen?
I got a call from the production house, subsequently dates were discussed and everything fell into place. I have just returned from the Aadhavan shoot in South Africa. While there, I managed to visit the Table Mountains, did the Virgin Active boot camp, and went yachting.
Your role in Aadhavan...
I play the antagonist who has to eradicate the judge at any cost. I can���������������������������t give away the plot, but expect to see a dramatic twist in the second half.
Did Suriya and you become good friends during the shoot?
It���������������������������s easy for anyone to get along with him. We exchanged, though very briefly, notes on fitness and health. I saw some of his images, with his six-pack and obliques showing very clearly, but more than his body, it���������������������������s his passion for, dedication to and involvement in his work that left me mightily impressed.
Elaborate...
Surya is a study in perfection.Where actor Akshay might have an edge with his technique when shooting for stunt sequences, Suriya is right up there where guts is concerned. In Cape Town, there was a sequence, which required him to hang on to a chopper, for which he had to be propelled up from the ground (with cables) at an incredible speed to a height of about 140 feet in the air and hang on to the rails of the chopper. He did that without showing any discomfort, despite a hit on his shoulder on the sixth take! He would roll in the sand before every take to get the continuity on his clothes correct. Similarly, in Kolkata, he gave passing shots for extras just so that they could get their look right. He jumped off the highest bridge in Kolkata innumerable times during a sequence, came back to the ship post such an exhausting session and shot till sundown for the scenes!
You���������������������������re a popular name in Tollywood. Are you now letting go of that popularity?
Sure, I have been a part of many Telugu movies, but I got those films because of my Hindi movies. I will probably do a Telugu film early next year. But right now, I am very busy with my Bollywood commitments.������������������
Impressions of Chennai...
My last visit was for a day where I was filming at the airport. I haven���������������������������t really done the city as such. Chennai is certainly not a fashion place, though I hear it���������������������������s now picking up. I see this city more as a pilgrimage centre. It���������������������������s a city of temples, heritage, tradition and culture. I find language a big barrier here as compared to say Hyderabad, which to me comes across as a more cosmopolitan city.
Your fitness business...
My fitness centre line is doing very well. We are completely new age in concept and execution. We have thrown in major incentives by way of cross promotions for people who lose weight and tone up.
Bollywood booming?
Oh, yes. At present, I am working on Shaapit with Vikram Bhatt, and my role in it is really nice. Also due for release later in the year are Blue and Run Bhola Run, and Rajdhani.
Rahul���������������������������s Favourites
Destination
Delhi tops the list. Also Cape Town and Mauritius
Food
Chinese and rajma chawal������������������
Actor
Robert De Niro
Actress
Julia Roberts
Word/Phrase
What���������������������������s going on?
Check out Rahul Dev���������������������������s pics