Prem, the man everyone loves to hate

“Prem naam hai mera!” The good-looking villain of Bobby who spouted this famous dialogue is once again in the limelight with a cameo in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal. He talks to DC about his second innings.

Q. You were Villain Number 1 in the 70s and 80s and you’ve got huge appreciation again through Animal

An animal is a very lengthy film. Many scenes had to be chopped, and mine was too. But I’m very happy and proud that the bit that was screened has garnered huge eyeballs. I play the patriarch of a large family.

Q. Animal is all about patriarchy and male dominance. Would you say the film industry is male-dominated too?

Women are enjoying working in Bollywood these days. While women in this profession were looked down upon earlier, that’s not the case anymore. Many educated girls work in Bollywood, both in front of and behind the cameras and have earned a name for themselves.  

Q. You’ve worked with many members of big Bollywood families, isn’t it?

I have worked with Dharmendra in about 25 films. I worked with Sunny in his debut film Betab, and in other movies too. And now I’ve worked with Bobby. He shines as the negative character in Animal.

I have worked with Ranbir Kapoor earlier; I played his father in Rocket Singh. And in Animal I play his great-grandfather. I have worked with Prithviraj Kapoor and Raj Kapoor, indeed, with all the Kapoors and their wives – Neetu Singh, Chintu’s wife, and Babita, and with all the children. They are all very talented and hardworking, and all of them have made their mark in this world of glitz.

Q. Are you looking for more good roles?

Well, nothing is holding me back. God has been very kind. I have been very honest and hardworking. I am open to doing wonderful characters if I can. I am looking for roles with a certain scope, which will make people appreciate my acting.

Q. Tell us about your OTT project.

I am making a special appearance in a project directed by Vivek Agnihotri on OTT. The makers will be announcing the title soon.

Q. What changes do you see in the industry now, compared with your earlier stint?  

There are a lot of technical changes. The visual medium has improved. And now they make films in one go. But in the old days, films were made with a lot of passion.