Neil Mathur upset over 'unprofessional' accusations

Mumbai, Feb 6 (IANS) Neil Mathur of "Johnny Gaddaar" fame is in an extremely angry mood. The provocation for the young grandson of legendary singer Mukesh is director Tigmanshu Dhulia's reportedly accusing him of unprofessional and starry behaviour.

"Enough is enough! I won't be taken for granted any longer," Neil told IANS.

"The truth is Tigmanshu was to do another film called 'Fame' with me. I was really excited about it. He suddenly changed his mind because someone else (Suniel Shetty) was making a film on the same subject (paparazzi).

"At the eleventh hour Tigmanshu came to me saying he wanted to do another film called 'Good Night' from Feb 15 when I didn't even have a script in my hand. I had never heard the subject... nothing! And I was supposed to say yes? Wow! This is very disturbing."

The young actor, who is seen as Ranbir Kapoor's nearest rival, says that he cannot jeopardise his career by working with "proposal makers".

He said: "In all honesty I wanted to work with Tigmanshu, but I need time to prepare. I can't work with proposal makers. I can't play around with my career, sorry. I won't work with a director who comes with a one-liner. If that makes me look choosy then so be it.

"I've struggled for many years. My debut film 'Johnny Gaddaar' was stuck. Where was everyone when my father (singer Nitin Mukesh) and I would be crying together wondering if my first film will ever be completed."

Money is not so important for the actor.

"Though I've done two back-to-back films with 'Johnny' in the title, I'm no Johnny-come-lately. By the grace of god, I come from a family where I can live comfortably without earning a single penny all my life.

"Luckily, for me, that's not how I want to live. I do understand my responsibilities as my father's only son, and that's why I need to be disciplined and professional in my conduct."

Neil says the early struggle has matured him.

"If I choose my roles correctly am I being unprofessional and starry? Acting is something I'm passionate about. Even if I'm running a high fever, I forget about it once the camera is switched on."

Madhur Bhandarkar too has offered him a role and Neil is excited about it.

"We've been discussing the idea for a long time. I like to be on board from the outset. I like to watch the film evolve from scratch. We'll start the film as soon as he finishes making 'Fashion'."

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