Abhishek Bajaj on ‘Babli Bouncer’: Madhur Bhandarkar is a visionary, he knew that I am the one he wants to cast – Times of India

Actor Abhishek Bajaj is counting days for his film ‘Babli Bouncer’ to hit the big screens after wrapping up the outdoor shoot schedule of the film. Helmed by filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, the film stars Abhishek playing the lead role alongside Tamannaah Bhatia, where he steps into a never-seen-before avatar as her love interest. In conversation with ETimes, Abhishek recently opened up about his character, work experience with Tamannaah, journey in Bollywood and much more. Excerpts:

How did you bag the lead role in ‘Babli Bouncer’?

It happened very organically. I got a call from their casting team and I really liked the role, and gave a look test. That’s how it happened. But later I got to know that Madhur sir had seen one of my articles on Twitter and really liked me. He had even asked his team to find out my picture and get my look test. The moment he saw me, he knew that I am the one he wants to cast, that’s how it happened besides the formalities.

It must have been such a great feeling…

Yes, of course! Madhur sir is a visionary. The kind of role I am playing in ‘Babli Bouncer’ is very different from what I have done earlier. In ‘Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui’ I was very rowdy and raw, but this guy is very sophisticated with all the qualities of a perfect person. He is very intelligent, charismatic and sober; an electrical engineer from London. So, to see me in such a versatile role I think only a visionary like Madhur sir can do it.

Tell us some more about your character.

I will say that my character has all the traits that a girl can imagine having in her love interest. The perfect guy, or the ideal match. So, I am Babli’s love interest.

How does it feel to share the screen space with Tamannaah?

To me, every actor is equal. As a co-star, Tammanah is very cooperative and works hard towards her character. I would say that everyone wants to work with someone who would be as hard-working as them. This is a 1:1 relation, it brings so much effort that the scene turns out to be good, that’s all I want. I am looking forward to the good scenes that we have.

How would you describe Tamannaah Bhatia as a person?

She is outgoing and she is into the character. She is bubbly (Babli).

Your character in ‘Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui’ left a mark. What do you recall about the film?

The best part about the film was that everyone was Punjabi including the actors, director and producer. We bonded very well, it was a very positive and happy environment on the sets.

And the shooting took place in Chandigarh…

Yes, half of the time I am shooting in Chandigarh only, if not in Bombay.

From ‘Student Of The Year 2’ to ‘Babli Bouncer’, you have come so far in your career. How would you describe your journey?

I would say that I have been very honest and disciplined, and that’s how I have come so far. My journey happened gradually, I starred in TV commercials to serials to films, it happened all because I had discipline towards my craft. This is just the beginning and I have places to go.

Any message for aspiring actors?

My only tip is, to be honest, and disciplined towards the work that you want to achieve. Anything done half-heartedly is never enough. Whatever you want might take time but either tomorrow or the day after tomorrow or later, it will come to you if you give your 100%.

You are among the stars who have made their career from scratch. What are your thoughts on the whole insider-outsider debate in Bollywood?

Each profession will give you a benefit if you have someone in the industry already, but in the end, it’s only your talent and hard work that shines. I will say that once you just focus on your work and give your best, no one can stop you. This is exactly what I am doing right now.