Bollywood Trade News Network

While JODHAA AKBAR is making round of news because of Hrithik and Aishwarya's presence, the third most important character in the story, which is not less significant and equally deserves credit is none other than, 'Rajkumar Sujamal' (Jodha's brother), played by YUVA and AASHIQ BANAYA AAPNE fame Sonu Sood. We caught up with excited Sonu and here are some excerpts of our conversation with him.

Q: Your character in JODHAA AKBAR?

A: I am playing the role of Rajkumar Sujamal who is Jodhaa's (Aishwarya Rai Bachcahn) brother. It's a phenomenal and tough character. I enjoyed playing it.

Q: How was your experience working with Aishwarya Bachchan? Are you looking forward to work with her as co-star?

A: It was really great learning experience. We shared good rapport off screen and onscreen as well. Ashutosh explained the character quite clearly and confidently to Aishwarya and me. The bond of brother and sister is very important and when it comes portraying onscreen it becomes all the more momentous; it has to go in good flow. It's good to work with such professionals. I am certainly looking forward to such scripts to work with Aishwarya as a co-star (smilingly). It would be great working with her and Abhishek Bachchan again as I have already worked with Abhishek Bachchan in YUVA. Both are really good to work with.

Q: With Hrithik?

A: Ahh!! He is really cool person, very professional and much talented. He is great as co-star. I even shared good rapport with Hrithik. While shooting in Jaipur we used to workout together, discuss over the scenes. He gives his 100% commitment to whatever he does. It was a good buddy experience.

Q: What were your initial reactions when Ashutosh offered this role? Excitement or nervousness

A: (quickly replied) Definitely excitement! He's truly marvelous director, he is one such director with whom anyone would like to work (Chuckles with excitement). He is a director whose call any actor would wait for. He makes life easy for his actors; he knows what he wants out of them and makes it obvious and easy for the actors to deliver. Very down to earth and one of the coolest directors to work with. Ashutosh had full confidence in me and that is how it made my work much easier. I would definitely love to work again with him.

Q: What all preparations you had to undergo? How easy was it playing this Sujamal?

A: Not really. No preparations as such. But Ya! Challenge is always involved in doing period films. It requires lot of homework. The kind of responsibility involved enhances while doing a period film because here you are playing factual personality. Since we portray a particular character, the entire body language, attire, confidence, everything changes. It becomes crucial to match up with character persona.

Q: But it must have been quite easy for you to deliver since you have already an imperial personality and voice pitch that anyways gets your work half done, don't you think so?

A: Thank you for that compliment (Delightedly) Yeah! Even Ashutosh repeatedly said the same and that is why he considered me quite apt for this role. Many people compliment me on the same.

Q: Hrithik and Aishwarya are the central part of the film; don't you think your role gets hidden because of it?

A: Every character is important. A movie is a collective effort. In fact even if one character is not portrayed correctly, it affects the entire film. Even Sujamal's character is equally important; he is the linking character between Rajputs and Moghuls (Jodhaa and Akbar). Once you'll see the film you'll come to know about Sujamal's character and its importance.

Q: Your expectations with the film? The film also got delayed more than once.

A: I have high expectations with this movie. It is one of the biggest films of this year. I am quite confident that it will do well. In fact the whole industry is eagerly waiting.

Q: How does delay affect the success or failure of any movie?

A: There are lots of technical and production things which needs to be done that takes time.

Q: Like YUVA played a turning point in your career, do you think JODHAA AKBAR will prove another stepping stone in your career again?

A: Yeah! Even I am expecting so. I am quite excited also. (With a smiling gesture)

Q: Also tell us something about your character in your forthcoming flick SINGH IS KING and also your other projects?

A: SINGH IS KINNG is about two guards wherein Akshay Kumar plays Singh and I am the King. It's an Anees Bazmee type comedy film. I enjoyed working with Akshay. In south I have already done comedy films, but this the first time I am doing a comedy film in Bollywood.

Q: Are you choosy in your films?

A: Yes, I am very choosy about my work. I think it's better to go slow and do quality stuff instead of being hasty. (gushes with smile) Slow n steady wins the Race.