Almost five years ago, Pradhuman Singh shone in a big way when he played an Osama Bin Laden lookalike in Tere Bin Laden (2010). Surprisingly, he disappeared from the film scene but is now set to return with Dilliwalli Zaalim Girlfriend. Bollywood Hungama’s Joginder Tuteja reports…
Why did you go MIA after Tere Bin Laden? Actually, after Tere Bin Laden, I did a small-budget film called Life Ki Toh Lag Gayi (2012) which didn’t fare well at the box office. Then I met with a small accident due to which I lost movement in one of my hands for about a year. After that I came back to Mumbai and picked up Dilliwalli Zaalim Girlfriend. This is the first film I got after I got my hand movement back. Still, while my hand was broken, I started to write some films. I co-wrote a couple with my Tere Bin Laden director, Abhishek Sharma, one of which is the sequel to that film. Another one is in pre-production. Then I also shot for Tere Bin Laden 2.
So you have been busy after all.
Yes, it is more like writing and acting. I didn’t get too much work though (laughs). I don’t know the reason for that. I used to wonder why and was taken aback that people were not approaching me. I started thinking that maybe I am not as good an actor as I think I am. Well, I may fare average in comparison to others, but when I see mediocre cinema being made, I feel that I can do a better job. In fact, it surprised not just me, but a lot of people, some producers and veteran actors, that I was not getting good work. Everyone knows me; they know my name, but still…
What do you think could be the reason?
Perhaps that character I played in Tere Bin Laden was larger than life and overshadowed the actor in me; not that I am complaining though. Perhaps I have been a little complacent. It is surprising for everyone, be it family and friends. Anyway, so out of the limited choices that I had, Dilliwalli Zaalim Girlfriend is the only one that seemed like I could have done justice too it. Interestingly, Manu Rishi Chaddha wrote this film and I am a big fan of his since he wrote Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! and Ye Saali Zindagi. He understands Delhi very well.
So how much of “Dilli” do we get to see in the film by means of treatment?
It is a sweet film which will make an impact. My character is that of a typical Delhi guy. Manu told me that he didn’t want me to play it the way everyone has before. He wanted me to play it to the gallery. It has something for me to do that I have not done before. Actually, many think that I am a Punjabi, but that is not the case. I grew up in Delhi and there are so many Punjabis out there that you tend to become one. So in the film, you will see my interpretation of being a Punjabi. The film has a lot of quirk and fun. My character is very integral to the plot and is responsible for a lot of humour.
How does your chemistry with Divyendu work on screen?
You know what? I was actually signed for the film before Divyendu. I remember (director) Japinder (Kaur) calling me and saying that she had approached Divyendu. Now I am a big fan of his work. Apparently, he likes my work too. So the first time we met, I was sure we would have a good time. We went to a bar, had a few beers and realised we had a few things in common. That translates well on screen. I think one of the things people will take from the film is our cute relationship. It brings in quite some comic elements.
I can tell you that the film is as whacky as the trailer. As a matter of fact, it has another layer on the top of it. When you watch the film, you’ll see that this is a good package with song and dance, but inside there is this whole concept which is reminiscent of Khosla Ka Ghosla and Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!