“Nothing was wrong between me and Ekta” -Suniel Shetty

Nicknamed Anna of the Tinsel-town, Suniel Shetty is a fantastic actor well-known for his wittiness. Right now, he is set to showcase an altogether different facet as an actor; with his forthcoming film Red Alert-The War Within. The movie touches the sensitive issue of Naxalism; Suneil Shetty opens up and narrates his experience of shooting the gritty reality of a Naxalite and on the fallout with Ekta Kapoor...

Your reaction when Director Anant Mahadevan read the script on Naxalism?

I have had the best of times shooting for realistic films; so, when Anant read me the script I was head-over-heels to be a part of the film. Red Alert gave every actor an opportunity to work in a de-glamorized environment.

How did you prepare for the role?

As far as research is concerned, I read extensively on the subject and watched documentary videos on Naxalism.

Are you satisfied with the way the film has shaped up?

(Smiles) Well, satisfaction is too small a word to use. This film is a rare-combination of great direction and narration. Aruna Raje has penned down the plot with so much conviction, she is a perfectionist. I remember how I would be irritated on repeating the shots; especially the rain sequence-jumping in the slush, just to attain perfection. But it was all worth the pain as the same sequence look beautifully portrayed on screen.

As an actor, what do you expect from the film?

Red Alert-The War Within is a film that is very close to my heart. I believe it will give new dimensions to my career.

What is the reason of lying low-key as an actor?

Well, honestly, I had become too lazy and secondly, production house was my number one priority. Now my kitty is filled with some good work like Daddy Cool, Tum Milo to Sahi, De Dana Dan slated for a release this year.

What is your opinion on realistic films?

Honesty speaking, I have a fascination for realistic films. I remember post LOC- Kargil, Javed Akhter sahib and I visited Kargil camps. There I was honoured, as a solider saluted me for my work in Border and LOC-Kargil. We were totally bowled over by the gesture.

As a producer will you risk your money on realistic cinema?

I would definitely venture into realistic genres regardless of the consequences. In-fact, there is a film on cards.

What about the films under your banner?

When it comes to my production house, we have Loot Mumbai Chaka Chak slated for release this year and another venture title Little Lord Father for next year.

Any plans of stepping into direction after this?

(Interrupts immediately) Direction is not my cup of tea. I would never venture into direction.

What happened to your association with Ekta Kapoor?

Well, I have great regards for the Kapoor family. In-fact, you should catch hold of the tabloid which wrote something so baseless. I would request everyone not to pay heed to anything like this unless it is confirmed by celebrities themselves. I believe ups and downs are the part and parcel of every relationship. However, as far as Ekta and I are concerned, nothing went wrong between us.

Red Alert- The War within; stars Nasserudin Shah, Vinod Khanna, Sameera Reddy, Gulshan Grover Seema Biswas and Bhagyashree.