‘Straight’ is about confused sexual inclinations: Vinay Pathak

Away from the stereotypical image of a Bollywood hero, who is essentially a 40 plus man turning macho flaunting that 8-6 pack abs as he romances ladies half his age, Vinay Pathak remains a contradiction. Vinay with his heavy frame and ordinary looks never received a red carpet welcome in Bollywood; nevertheless, he is one of the few actors who have managed to establish a connection with the audiences through their impeccable choice of roles and ingenious performances. Be it his goofball bumpkin portrayal of Bharat Bhushan in debut flick ‘Bheja Fry’ or the intense heart rendering act of a cancer patient trying to live life to the hilt in ‘Dasvidaniya’, the gifted actor has done justice to each of his roles. From a host to a prominent theatre personality to now being a profound actor, Vinay Pathak has enthralled us all.

All set to woo us through his film ‘Straight - Pinu Patel Ki Tedhi Medhi Love Story’, the actor spoke to Tanu Talwar of Spicezee.com on varied matters from explaining his choice of roles, KISS approach, love for theatre to his famous on-screen co-stars. Tanu: Your soon to be released film ‘Straight - Pinu Patel Ki Tedhi Medhi Love Story’ has stirred quite a curiosity. Is it based on the latest trend of same sex relationships? Vinay: Not at all. It’s not on same sex relationships. It sounds cliché, but it’s only right for me to say that there hasn’t been a film like ‘Straight’ in Bollywood. It’s a very interesting film and is mainly a romantic comedy. Tanu: Tell us about your role in the film? Vinay: It’s about a man named Pinu Patel, played by me, who is confused about his sexual orientation. See, he is over 30 and is still single. Though he tries his best to fall in love he is unable to find a soul mate, which makes him question his sexual preferences. It’s then that a woman comes into his life, but he still remains confused. So the story goes to show how he finds his true love and true inclination. Tanu: You have been associated with a series of off beat films. On what basis do you decide a role? Vinay: My choice of roles depends on three basic things - story, character and the filmmaker. For me it’s very important for the character to excite me. If the role doesn’t appeal to me, I just don’t think about it even it comes with a powerful banner. Also, a lot is decided by the way the story is narrated to me. For me it’s really important to believe in my director and the largeness of the storyline. The character should be interesting, intelligent and have depth. If all these factors fall in place then I simply go ahead and do the film. Tanu: Has it been a deliberate attempt to keep away from potboilers? Vinay: Well, not at all. It just so happens that I love the character that is considered offbeat. My movie mantra is very simple. I follow the KISS approach. It stands for ‘Keep it Simple & Straight’. And as far as potboilers are concerned or commercial films, I have made no deliberate attempt to keep away from them. I did ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ which was an out-and-out commercial flick. I did it because the character fascinated me. I felt that a role had a lot to say. Tanu: So how did RNBJ happen? Vinay: Adi approached me for the film. He was very impressed with ‘Bheja Fry’. He told me about the role and I immediately fell for the character and decided to go ahead with it. Also, the fact that I really believed in Aditya’s vision helped me decide. Tanu: You have done one film with Shah Rukh and you are also working on the film called SRK. What’s it all about? Vinay: First, I would like to make clear that it has nothing to do with Shah Rukh Khan. It’s about this man named Shivaji Rao Khote, so SRK. He is the laziest character you can ever come across. He is always making excuses for not keeping up with his duties and responsibilities. He is running from life and is an escapist. But soon his laidback attitude hampers his relationship with his family and society. So the movie goes on to show as to how his family teaches him to take responsibilities. The big picture is that the film sends across the message that a lazy person is a burden to society. Tanu: Building abs and flaunting muscle is the latest trend in Bollywood. Are you working towards 6-pack abs? Vinay: (Laughs) Well, I can’t have 6-pack abs even if I wanted too. No seriously I can do it, but again it depends on the role. Tanu: You are a renowned theatre personality. Do you feel that the medium hasn’t been given its true worth in our country? Vinay: I don’t agree. I feel that theatre is one of the most popular mediums with the masses, but it’s the least favourite subject with media. Tanu: So what’s more challenging, movies or theatre? Vinay: Both I would say. They both have their own challenges and demand a lot of dedication. Tanu: You have done movies, theatre and even sported the host cap. When will we see you next in your host capacity? Vinay: See, I have something planned with Ranvir. But it’s too early to talk about it. Tanu: So what are your other interests? Vinay: Besides acting, I simply love traveling. Be it anywhere I just love to explore new places. I am always ready to pack my bags and head for some destination. Be it India or abroad, it’s my passion to travel. Tanu: So what’s your favourite travel destination? Vinay: I love Banaras. I feel that there is an uncanny similarity between Rome and Banaras. Both are religious capitals, wherein religion is the means of livelihood. Everything under the sun from undies, hats, T-shirts and idols sell in these places in the name of religion. Besides the hustle and bustle, there is a sense of tranquility and peace at these places. Tanu: You along with Rajat Kapoor, Ranvir Shorey and Neha Dhupia have formed a sort of acting pact... Vinay: Yes, we are all a big gang. We act together as we are all like-minded and share the same taste in cinema. Now, Neha too has become a part of our gang and it’s all owing to her love for cinema and gusto to work hard. In fact I feel in our film ‘Pappu Can’t Dance Saala’ she has just set the bar high for contemporary cinema.