It’s nice that I’m not typecast: Danny Denzongpa

At 65, actor Danny Denzongpa can give even the fittest young actors a run for their money. The veteran’s zest for acting — something he's been doing for over four decades now, could be compared to that of a passionate newcomer.

At 65, actor Danny Denzongpa can give even the fittest young actors a run for their money. The veteran’s zest for acting — something he's been doing for over four decades now, could be compared to that of a passionate newcomer.

Danny-Denzongpa-arrives

With three big-budget films in his kitty, Denzongpa is looking forward to an eventful year ahead. In this interview, he talks about these projects, his rapport with younger actors and playing characters of varied shades.

Tell us about your role in Boss.
I play a contract killer in the film. His front is that he’s got a transport company. Everyone calls him ‘Big Boss. One day, somebody tries to kill him, but he is saved by a little boy who hits the killer with a coconut. This boy grows up to be Akshay Kumar. Big Boss becomes his foster father and gives him the name ‘Boss’. All the things that Akshay does in the film have been taught to him by Big Boss.

You’re working with the superstars of today, who are much younger. How does that feel?
In the past, I have done a couple of films with Akshay. With Salman (Khan), I had done a film over two decades ago. Now, I’m also working with Hrithik (Roshan). He was a teenager when I worked with him earlier. He played a young boy in Bhagwaan Dada (1986), which was produced and directed by his father, Rakesh. In one action sequence, I saw him do somersaults. Back then, I told Rakesh that this boy will be a superstar. Now both Akshay and Hrithik have become superstars. When I work with them, I see that they’ve learnt so much. They’re so confident now. Salman especially amazes me. When we did Sanam Bewafa (1991), he used to be nervous about saying his dialogues; he used to be petrified. But look at him now!

All your upcoming films are high on action. Do you like being part of such films?
Bang Bang is a sleek thriller, while Boss is a masala film. It’s got everything- songs, romance, emotion and comedy. It’s like a Manmohan Desai kind of a film, when you watch it, you've got to forget logic and just enjoy it.