Detective shows are back in vogue on TV, the latest being Dariba Diaries, in which Sid Makkar plays the lead. But, that isn’t the only reason the actor is excited — Sid also features in the upcoming film The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Tell us about your role in The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
I play the brother to the lead actress and I’m not a fan of Dev Patel’s character. I’m involved in the drama that unfolds in the film. For me, taking up the part in the film was out of loyalty. The first film was such a success and the entire cast came back on board. There’s a dance sequence where the entire cast (including Richard Gere, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy) groove to Bollywood music. That’ll be a treat to watch!
How did Dariba Diaries happen?
I was playing the part of Zangoora at the Kingdom of Dreams, Gurgaon (the Wizcraft theatrical musical). For three years, I was involved with the show and I was looking to move back to Mumbai, but I wanted a film that would inspire that move.
One day I received a call from Nameeta Nair (one of the producers of Dariba Diaries). I have known her for a long time. She told me about the concept of Dariba Diaries. I was averse to doing any television had given that up since years and was only doing film work. But when I met her, I realised this is different. It’s a detective thriller set in the Mughal era.It’s a weekly series, which will be shot at one stretch, will be directed and made by film guys and will be of high quality. It was simple, I auditioned for the part and I got it.
