"My journey in Bollywood has been slow" - Sammir

Courtesy: IndiaFM

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Sammir Dattani couldn't have asked more than a dream debut with Rajshree Productions' Uff Kya Jadoo Mohabbat Hai. Unfortunately, the film didn't work. However the actor resurfaces with Madhur Bhandarkar's Corporate that released this week.

How are you feeling to the response that Corporate has received?
Well, Corporate has received a lot of positive feedback. I'm just another cog in the wheel of Corporate, just like it is in the real world. I have a hot boss like Bipasha Basu in the film! Through my character, Madhur Bhandarkar hopes to connect with the youth.

There were a lot of characters in the film. Do you think your role stood out?

All of Madhur Bhandarkar's films have a lot of characters. There is no hero and heroine. The script is the hero and heroine. The interaction between these various characters forms the story. Even in Page 3, I still remember a small character like the driver. I hope something like that happens with Corporate, and people remember all the characters.

How has your experience in Bollywood been so far?
It's been slow because of my own failures. But on the whole, it has been great. It has been an uphill journey. I think people have accepted me and I am finally getting the kind of work which I am excited about. Hopefully, I will get the kind of success that I have been dreaming about.

Minissha has been talking about all the pranks that were played on the sets. Tell us something about that.
Well, she is a prankster! Unfortunately, she could not play any of the pranks that she had planned. It was either lack of time or lack of opportunity. I don't know! Our interaction was very limited. But she is great fun to work with. We've been getting a lot of offers together. We might be working in some films in the future. Probably, then she can play the pranks!

What about your other projects, apart from Corporate?
Well, I have Mukhbir, which has been completed. It is a Mani Shankar film, expected to release by this Diwali. It's about the Intelligence Department. I am playing the mukhbir, which means the informer. It also stars Om Puri, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Sushant Singh, Rahul Dev, Alok Nath, Kelly Dorjee and Raj Zutshi. Raima Sen is opposite me. Then there is Marathon, which is a sports film. It should be released in December or January. It is based on the Mumbai Marathon that happens every year.

Tell us about Marathon?
Various people from various backgrounds run the marathon. My character is that of a football player who has lost his leg to cancer. He combats his problems and runs the Marathon. Every film has its memorable experiences. There are good and bad experiences. But at the end of the day, it's your baby.

There is also a lot of buzz surrounding Sanjay Gupta's film Shootout At Lokhandwala. Tell us about that.
It is based on the real life shootout that happened in 1992. It's an ensemble cast with a lot of characters. All I can tell you now is that I am playing one of the characters with the bad boys.

How did you bag this role?
Well, I met Apoorva a couple of times. I think he cast me because I suited the character.

There was a lot of talk about the link-up between you and Raima Sen some time back. What do you have to say to that?
I don't know how such talks start. Basically, we are very good friends. She was in my first music video. That was six years ago. Luckily we are working together after so long in Mukhbir. She is a very sweet girl. I don't know why people are talking about a link up. We've become better friends after Mukhbir. We would keep calling up each other and laughing at what was written in the papers. Maybe someone saw us together and thought that we were seeing each other.

Does gossip affect you?
Sometimes it upsets me. It depends on who you are associated with. With Raima, we spoke the day that the article appeared. We both are single so it's not like anyone was getting affected. It can affect you if you are committed to someone.

Sammir speaks on his fashion, fitness, favorites and much more.

vWhere do you shop from?
No particular place. I shop from the road, boutiques and even abroad. I can't define my likes and dislikes. But when I see something, I know that I like it or not.

Are you a brand freak?
No I am not. I am brand aware. But I don't only wear brands.

Which is your favorite brand?
For clothes it is Diesel. For shoes it is Doc Martins.

What about watches?
I like Tag Heur and Omega. I may not really own everything I like!

What style of dressing do you prefer?
I love formals which is why I thoroughly enjoyed shooting for Corporate. People should be comfortable and confident of what they are wearing. If you feel good, you look good.

What is the one thing that comes to your mind when I say Indian fashion?
Wardrobe malfunction! That's only for the moment. I think Indian fashion has made its presence felt, abroad.

Who all do you shop for?
I generally shop for myself. Sometimes, for my family and friends! If I see something that I associate with someone close, then I pick it up.

What would be your favorite outfit for the rains?
Anything! I am a guy! So I can even wear white!

Tell us about your fitness regime.
I work out regularly at the gym. Fitness comes naturally to me because I have been into sports since I was a kid. I have been a nation level roller skater. Fitness involves working out, a good diet and a healthy lifestyle. One has to think positively. I think people should eat whatever they like because life should be enjoyed. But they should be eaten in the right proportions.

Tell us something about your workout.
I love to jog outdoors. Though I do weight, I don't like bulking myself up. Sports are always fun. I still to go out skating on the road!

How often do you workout?
I would like to go five times a week. But I go as often as I can.

Which is your favorite meal of the day?
My breakfast. It comprises of wheat flakes, eggs and toast.

Do you believe in meditation?
Yoga is very nice. I have done it though I am not really regular with it. It's a part of fitness and helps your overall fitness.

Which is your favorite cuisine?
Chinese, roadside food and home food! In that order!

Do you cook?
Not really! I am happiest sitting in my room and ordering people around.

Which is your favorite restaurant?
My most consistent on my favorites list is Subway. It can be had any time.

Tell us something about your favorite childhood memories.
I was always a lot into sports and extra curricular activities. I used to study only when required, though I was always an above average student. I was a national level roller skater for 11 years. I have played inter school football and tennis. I also took part in dramatics. I used to love spending time with my friends. Monsoons were always a time for playing football.

Can you recollect any particular incident?
Well I had gone cycling in the rain. I fell down and hurt my head very badly. My head was bleeding but I was petrified of my mom. She had told me not to go because it was raining. She later told me how stupid it was to not go home.

How do you spend your free time?
I like to hang out with my friends. Sometimes I help my dad with his office work. I also enjoy sports and movies. I like partying once in a while. Not always. I like chilling at my friends' places or going for dinner. Sunday is family day. I love being at home on Sundays.

Which is your favorite Hindi movie?
It keeps changing.

Who is your favorite actor?
Amitabh Bachchan.

Who is your favorite actress?
Sridevi.

Which is your favorite book?
Currently I am reading The Motorcycle Diaries.

Which is the last movie that you saw?
Krrish. I really liked it! I also saw MI: 3 which I loved!