Aftab to star in a sequel to 'Masti'

Oct 6, 2007 Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Oct 6 (IANS) Aftab Shivdasani is all set to do a sequel to "Masti", the risqué comedy that was criticised by many people.

"A lot of people found it objectionable. But a lot of others found it to be fun. My father didn't like it. Look, at the script level we were all a little embarrassed. But nobody thought it was vulgar while executing it," Aftab told IANS.

"So, yeah, there are talks of a sequel. Director Indra Kumar cannot stay away from boys' comedies. His 'Dhamaal' will be a huge hit. I can tell you that. I was offered 'Dhamaal' too. But I had date problems."

In his latest collaboration with director Vikram Bhatt, Aftab plays a villain in "Speed".

"It's a relatively small role but important. Then I return to comedy in E. Niwas' 'De Taali' where I'm with Riteish. I've also done a short film for Sanjay Gupta's 'Love Dale' with Neha Uberoi. It's directed by Jasmeet. This was my first film with a female director after all these years," the actor said.

Earlier, Aftab had acted in a shelved film "Dost" with a female director Veena Mehta. "I loved working with Jasmeet. I'd love to work with Deepa Mehta and Mira Nair. They make films close to my heart. I've always done films that push the envelope," he said.

He has been on an extended holiday in Toronto and the US and realized that his films are doing well there.

"My film 'Red' which didn't do well at home seemed to be a talking point abroad. Everywhere I went people asked me about it, although 'Red' didn't get a decent release overseas. I got responses like, 'Suddenly you've evolved. You're looking so hot. You've turned into a man'. I wanted that maturity to show up. I think 'Red' helped me to grow," he said.

Aftab is honest enough to admit nothing much has been happening to his career. "I'm doing a film called 'Jazbaa' for Sanjay Gupta which is a remake of 'Four Brothers'. Sanjay makes men's films, and that's where I want to be now. I don't want to sign any and every film at this moment.

"I'd rather wait for challenges, even for brief roles like 'Speed'. I don't need to do sub-standard stuff to keep my kitchen fires burning. I'd rather work with dependable banners."

When asked about his rumoured split with girlfriend Yana Gupta, Aftab said: "My personal life is fine. Nothing has changed. I know people have broken us off. Let people speculate on whether I'm single or not. There are many unanswered questions in my mind. I need to sort them out.

"I really don't wish to comment on this. Even when I got into the relationship (with Yana Gupta) I didn't speak about it, but I didn't deny it either. Not because we were shy of being seen together but because we're private people. Yes, I'm certainly shy. But you'd be surprised to know that even Yana is shy."