Karan Johar to star as 'antagonist' opposite Ranbir Kapoor | Bollywood - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Karan Johar to star as 'antagonist' opposite Ranbir Kapoor

Hindustan Times | By, Mumbai
Jun 05, 2013 01:37 PM IST

Filmmaker Karan Johar is ready for his first big Bollywood role. And he plays the antagonist opposite Ranbir Kapoor in none other than Anurag Kashyap’s film, a period drama.

Director, producer, writer, chat show host, reality dance show judge: Karan Johar’s CV could rival that of the very best in showbiz. But the one thing the 41-year-old hasn’t done — a few cameos aside — is take up a serious acting role. Now, that is set to change.



Three days back, Karan decided to take up an offer to act in Anurag Kashyap’s next, Bombay Velvet (BV). Karan says the offer "came out of the blue". In the film, he will be seen playing the "antagonist" opposite Ranbir Kapoor.



"Yes, it’s true that I’m acting in BV, and of course, it’s unusual for me," Karan says, adding, "I was blown away by the narrative. And all the cast members — besides Ranbir and Anushka (Sharma, lead actress) — have strong roles in Anurag’s film. Since I’m playing an antagonist, there are shades of grey to my character."



Over a decade-and-a-half ago, Karan played a cameo in the Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol-starrer Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995). More recently, he made guest appearances in films like Om Shanti Om (2007) and Luck By Chance (2009).



But what’s interesting is that now the director of feel-good, family-oriented dramas will be seen in a negative role. Karan explains, "I’ve never shied away from trying new things. Fifteen years ago, I took up direction (with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai; 1998) on an impulse, followed by my stint as a TV show host (Koffee With Karan)."



He says he always knew that, somewhere down the line, acting will happen. "I didn’t know whether I was ready for it. Now, I will start working on my role with Anurag. I will follow his directorial vision, and I won’t bring my director’s baggage on the sets," he

clarifies.



Has he discussed this with anyone else? "Besides Anurag, Ranbir too was keen that I come on board. As for my mother (Hiroo Johar), she has always been encouraging in whatever I do," he says.



When contacted, Anurag says, "Karan is fantastic for the part. I actually wanted to bounce ideas off him. He loved the script, and I suddenly asked if he will play the role. He was surprised, but said yes. Karan said he will charge R11, and the money kept aside will go for special effects and production."Director-turned-actors

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.
* Anurag Kashyap: He has acted in about 10 films including I Am (2010), Black Friday (2004), Luck By Chance (2009) and Shagird (2011).

* Tigmanshu Dhulia: The National Award-winning director took up a full-fledged role in the critically acclaimed Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012) series.

* Sudhir Mishra: The filmmaker has acted in several ventures such as Khamosh (1985), Traffic Signal (2007) and Raat Gayi Baat Gayi (2010).

* Farhan Akhtar: After directing hits like Dil Chahta Hai (2001) and Lakshya (2004), Farhan turned actor with Rock On!! (2008) followed by Luck By Chance, Karthik Calling Karthik (2010) and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011).

* Nagesh Kukunoor: He has directed over 10 films and was seen in eight of them including Hyderabad Blues (1998) and Hyderabad Blues 2 (2004).

Oscars 2024: From Nominees to Red Carpet Glam! Get Exclusive Coverage on HT. Click Here

Get more updates from Bollywood, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Prashant Singh is an Assistant Editor with HT Cafe. Besides bringing out the edition on a daily basis, he also extensively writes on Bollywood.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On