Genius Utkarsh Sharma is fascinated by Salman Khan switching on and off behind camera

The Gadar child Jeete has grown up and turned into a Genius, or that’s what his latest release suggests. Deccan Chronicle had an opportunity to interact with the actor over his debut film and he in fact opened up about various things like the two actors who bring out the best in him, working with his father and Gadar 2.

Here are some excerpts from the interview:

You have been a famous child artist in Gadar. Everybody knows you as Jeete. Did you always want to be an actor?

I never considered myself a star kid because apart from Gadar, you never saw me on screen. One thing which I always knew since then was that you need a lot of hard-work to sustain. When I was 14, I got really interested in filmmaking and all aspects of it. I used to like writing and saw dad working a lot, having discussions at home, using all the jargons and terms. At home almost 20% we’re talking films and because of dad, we spoke in a more technical way. I got really interested in the craft and when I was 15, once I finished my board exams, then I worked with dad on Veer which was my first behind-the-camera work. The way Salman Khan switches on and off behind the camera is really fascinating. That moment I decided that I want to be involved with this work and be an actor. I decided on being an actor in my 10^th and 11^th. I got opportunity to work in theatre, do plays here and in US as well.

How was the process of Genius? Was it planned that you would debut with the film?

To be honest, I never thought that Genius would be the subject that I would get launched in. When dad was writing Genius around 4-5 years ago, that was for an older actor so naturally the age and tonality was much different. Even I was surprised when he said he wants to make Genius with me and make the character young. He did that because he feels even the youth has a lot to say about the country. Country is a theme that he always captures in his movies so he wanted to do something around that. Then he changed the story completely and made it into a character with many shades. It’s a very youthful film – there’s regionality to the character but he’s born a genius and wants to do everything for his love along with doing something good for the country, which is how the youth also is. From the outside they have an ‘I don’t care’ attitude but on the inside they’re always thinking about good of the society.

Were you intimidated shooting with Nawaz?

When I heard that I would work with Nawaz sir, I was very excited. As an actor, there’s nothing better to act in front of an even better actor than you because you’re only going to learn a lot and your scenes will be better. Nawaz sir and Mithun da have such energy and experience that they bring out the best of you. As an actor, it becomes simpler because they’re the characters in front of you rather than the legends. So he’s right in front of you and you just have to react.

Any apprehensions about the journey post release of film?

I think it’s fun and I will enjoy the journey. Media is the medium we use to connect to the public so they have all the rights to judge us on everything. Hopefully I will connect with many hearts through this movie and I’m ready for whatever good or bad since this is my passion and I will continue doing it irrespective of anything.

Would we see you in Gadar 2?

Dad has said no that till he doesn’t get a good script he won’t make it. That is a film set in a certain period and to just changed the period or character will be cheapening the film. Until you don’t have something better than that then what’s the point of making it?

How was your commaraderie with Ishita?

She’s a very sweet girl and great listener. Since we both were new, we could be creative in our scenes and discussed and experimented with emotional and matured scenes.

How was it acting with your dad?

He scolded me enough in Gadar (laughs). Since I know his nature, so I knew what’s in store for me. In Gadar also we worked many nights without sleep and in this also I knew that it would repeat for at least 5-6 days. We’re not father-son on sets and rather professional and even clearly state our differences. We think of the betterment of the film and he treats me like any other actor.