Inaamulhaq on ‘Lucknow Central’, supporting actors being promoted and other things…

Inaamulhaq, who is known for his powerful performances in films like ‘Filmistaan’, ‘Airlift’ and ‘Jolly LLB 2’, is all set to once again impress us with his performance in ‘Lucknow Central’. The movie is slated to release on September 15, 2017, and recently we interacted with Inaamulhaq and he spoke to us about his role in the movie, his look and many other things…

Tell us something about your role in the film.
The movie is a story of five prisoners, and one of them is me. My character’s name is Liyakat Ansari, but he creates problems for people, so his nickname is Dikkat Ansari. He has been imprisoned for life. The way these five prisoners connect with each other emotionally and their journey is what you people will get to watch.

Talking about your look in the film, it is quite different from your looks in your previous films, you have also coloured your hair. So, what was your reaction when you came to know about your look in ‘Lucknow Central’?
More than my reaction it’s their (makers) reaction because I always want my physical appearance to be different. God has made every human being different, everyone has a different face. I feel when an actor portrays different lives, he should also look different. So, I try to achieve how different the character can look.

‘Lucknow Central’ is based on a band, so in real life, are you a good singer?
I am not good at music; you can call me a back-bencher. But, I have that much of knowledge that I can say this is good music and this is bad. Even my character is not a musician, so they create music in certain circumstances by using limited resources. My character is also a bad singer and even I am.

When it comes to promotions, even if a film has an ensemble cast, only famous faces in the movie are promoted. However, with ‘Lucknow Central’ that has changed as even supporting actors like you and Deepak Dobriyal are promoting the film. Do you feel that there’s a change that’s happening in the industry?
It is important (to promote supporting actors), and it should have happened quite earlier. A film is made with content and the actors have to execute the same. There’s one scene or 100 scenes, every actor has 100 percent contribution in it, and that makes a film better. So, if everyone is promoting the film together it’s a good sign for Indian cinema.

‘Lucknow Central’ looks quite similar to ‘Qaidi Band’ that had released a couple weeks ago. What would you like to say about the comparison?
I just want to say that ‘Lucknow Central’ is based on real incidents. So, when such incidents happen they are always there in public domain. Our director had read this news, so even they (‘Qaidi Band’ makers) might have read it. But, the treatment has to be different and the approach has to be different. You people saw what was the destiny of that film, and now, our film is yet to come. So, everyone’s destiny has been pre-written.

You have given amazing performances in your previous movies, even your 10-15 minutes’ role in ‘Jolly LLB 2’ was the highlight of the film. So, do you feel any pressure as now audiences are expecting a lot from you?
Not pressure, but even I am not convinced till the role is not good. And if the script is not good, I reject 98 percent of scripts. I have high expectations from myself. I don’t want to do many films and have high numbers of film in IMDb list. I believe if I have done 10 films, after my death all the films should be remembered. Now I have done four, I don’t know if there will be 10 or 100. But, I always want to try that in those films there shouldn’t be even one that gets misfired. I don’t want to hit a sixer at every ball. I just want to be a part of good cinema. If there are 10 good films, I can’t be in all of them. So, whatever offers I get, I select the best one and do it. It’s a responsibility as audience also have expectations from me. I get emails; if you are in a movie we will believe blindly that it will be a good film. So, it’s a compliment and responsibility both.

Few months ago, when we had spoken to you, you had told us that you want to be explored more as an actor. So, do you feel that industry has explored your acting talent?
No, not at all! Right now, I feel my train has just come on the tracks, and has not even taken up the speed. I feel I have miles to cover, this is just a start. To survive here (industry) between so many people, give different kind of performances, it is difficult, there are difficult decisions. But, I hope I get what I want.

So, what are you doing after ‘Lucknow Central’?
I have ‘Firangi’ which is produced by Kapil Sharma and he is also acting in the film. It has a different flavour because it’s a period film, and period films are mostly on a serious note. But, for the first time we will watch a period film on a lighter note. I have heard it’s releasing in November.

You have done two films with Akshay Kumar, and people like to see you with him on the big screen as you both have a great chemistry. So, is there anything happening with Akshay anytime soon?
Nothing yet, but if I get an offer and the script is good, then I will definitely do it. With Akshay sir, it’s like after a level your understanding gets better. So, if a film is there with Akshay sir I will definitely do it, but my condition is that the script should be good.

Murtuza Iqbal

‘Eat Sleep Bollywood Repeat’ is his life Mantra. Dance is his first love and Rani Mukerji is his eternal crush. He is someone who loves being himself, and as for the ones who don’t agree, his reply? “Talk to my hand!”