Actor Aftab Shivdasani feels fortunate to
be surviving in the film industry and still
being accepted by the audience.
Aftab started his career as a child artist
in Mr India and did films like
Shahenshah, ChaalBaaz and others.
He later began his career as an adult
actor with films like Mast and Kasoor,
which did well at the box office.
However, post that his films did not have
a successful run at the box office, except
a few like Awara Paagal Deewana,
Hungama, Masti and 1920 Evil Returns.
"I had a fascinating journey. I have been
lucky enough to be accepted as an actor
by audience. My films may not have done
exceptional business or been
blockbusters, but I was fortunate enough
to be accepted by public, who are my true critics," Aftab told PTI in
an interview.
"If I am still working in the industry then
it's a boon. I thank public and God for
this," he said.
Aftab feels it's the films that failed to
create a mark at the box office and not
his performance.
"I have worked with reputed directors
and banners. I think in my case the films
have gone wrong. I have been lucky
enough to get appreciated for my
performances. I realised that
(performance) is not enough, film has to work. Despite the films not
doing well, I
am still here and it feels great. Now I am
focusing on commercially viable films,"
he said.
Aftab is quite excited about his
upcoming film 'Grand Masti', a sequel to
comedy film 'Masti'. The movie brings
back the trio - Vivek Oberoi, Riteish
Deshmukh and Aftab.
"Between 'Masti' and 'Grand Masti',
Riteish and I worked in two films so the
connection was never lost. Whenever we
used to meet socially we were good to
each other," he said.
While the film, directed by Indra Kumar,
is touted as an adult comedy, the actor
says he is quite traditional in real life.
"I am fairly traditional in my mindset. As
Indians we are ingrained with certain
traditions and values. We find this film a
little bold but it does not take one in
sleazy space, it is pure comedy," Aftab
said.
