After two releases already this year in the form of ‘Running Shaadi’ and ‘Sarkar 3’, Amit Sadh is to be seen in this week’s release ‘Raagdesh’. The film is a period drama, based in 1945-1946, centred on the true events of the Indian National Army set up by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, known as the Red Fort trials. Sadh plays the character of Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, one of the three first members of the Indian Army brought to charge for offences including murder and treason during the Second World War. The film is directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia and also stars Kunal Kapoor and Mohit Marwah.
Sadh is currently in the UK shooting for Reema Kagti’s ‘Gold’ and BizAsiaLive.com caught up with the actor to talk about ‘Raagdesh’ which releases on Friday.
What attracted you to ‘Raagdesh’?
Before knowing the story and the premise of the film, what attracted me is just that it’s a Tigmanshu Dhulia film. This is what excited me because I know his cinema is amazing. He always picks up stories and subjects which have a great social significance and importance. Also, as an actor, there’s always a challenging part that he offers me. So I knew there was something up when he called me to the office and said he had something in mind for me.
How did you personally connect to your character, Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon?
Well, I have a certain intensity and passion. I have a sense of loyalty which I think I get from my father. I think the valour and the high-octane passion that Gurbaksh Dhillon had for the country, for his wife, for his fellow Indians and the urge for freedom. Somehow I kind of have that same vibe where equality and freedom and a big aspect of my personality and something that I thrive for. I think that was enough to find a common thread for me to this beautiful man. I’ve tried my best and the film’s out soon so I hope… This is very special to me and I hope people go and watch it.
Was there any part of the shoot which particularly struck a chord with you?
Shooting the war sequences in Dehradun. There was a shot where my character, with a few men, bullets and a few guns, finally finds a way through an ambush. When he’s taking a count of the dead bodies of the British Army who were Indian. He sees them and sees he had to shoot one of his own but they were represented by the British Army… I think that kind of staggered me, when I was doing that. It made me realise that what stand, as men and people, we have to take. All these historic men – they had to take a call… it shows what steel and what understanding they were made of to take such calls.
Describe your experience working with Mohit Marwah and Kunal Kapoor who are also in ‘Raagdesh’.
I think they’re so cool. Kunal has become a very, very dear friend. We’re already shooting and doing another film together called ‘Gold’. I think he’s a very compassionate, gentle, educated man. He’s so down to earth, so affectionate, so polite… to be honest, I look upto him. He’s a great actor and I think his best is going to come now. I think he’s in this right rhythm and frequency where he’s strike a beautiful chord with the fans and with audiences in these films. He’s fantastic in ‘Raagdesh’. And Mohit… he’s a dude. He’s a good-looking guy. I keep asking him where does he get all these cool clothes from and he never tells me where. He’s a very handsome man. I would love to party with him.
Would you say the film is a must-watch for Indians?
To be honest, I wouldn’t impose that it’s a must-watch film. I think in life there’s nothing must but yes if there’s anybody who likes history, anybody who enjoys a film, anyone who’s a fan of a Tigmanshu Dhulia film, anyone who is a fan of mine and likes my work… Anyone who has three hours and has time on weekends.. Anyone who has £15 or $10 and wants to watch a film should go. Any who loves watching films should definitely go and they’ll love this film. I hope people go and watch it.
BizAsiaLive.com thanks Amit Sadh for talking to us about the film and his role. ‘Raagdesh’ is slated for release on 28th July.
