Bobby Deol stays away from manipulative people

May 20, 2008 Subhash K Jha

Mumbai, May 20 (IANS) Actor Bobby Deol, who has always been rather laid back in life, says he tries to stay away from people in the film industry who manipulate and backstab.

"I'm sure there's jealousy and negativity in every profession. In the film industry, you see people manipulating and backstabbing. It used to disturb me earlier. But now I'm conditioned to the people and circumstances around me. I try to stay away from such people," Bobby told IANS.

He also says he likes portraying people who are not like him.

"I like playing people who are not like me. For example, I always play a rich guy. But I'm not rich in real life!"

The actor suddenly finds himself inundated with work.

"I've several releases coming up. Am I tired? No, just apprehensive about how people will react to so many of my films tumbling out."

He recently shot for a film in Chandigarh with director Sangeeth Sivan, the man who styled the comedy "Kya Kool Hain Hum". "Yes," says Bobby, "But before that he did 'Zor' with my brother Sunny. So we know each other from much before. Like me he's a softie at heart. He did one actioner with my brother. Now he's doing one with me."

Nana Patekar is Bobby's co-star in the yet-untitled film by Sivan. "I had heard so many stories about him. But he's very chilled out. Actually, I get along with everybody. Nana is a very unique actor. I also worked with Zarina Wahabji for the first time. She's such a warm and caring person. We had a great time. Also, I was doing an action flick after so long."

Bobby is also game for playing negative characters. "See I've played ruthless killers in 'Bicchoo', 'Badal' and 'Soldier'. My character in 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom' was a musician who's so much in love with his music that he was willing to go to any lengths for his passion. Only at the end of the journey does he realise how wrong he was."

Bobby was fascinated by the evil character. "He was like a small kid who says, 'I want, I want' without seeing how rude that child seems. I guess I'm a child at heart. But I don't have that mean streak."

One person Bobby loved working with was Shaad Ali in "Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom". "He's such a chilled out guy. He treats everyone, from actors to spot boys, equally well. We've known each other for years. I didn't feel the least awkward being directed by him."