Aftab on Aloo Chaat

It is turning out to be one busy and exciting season for Aftab Shivdasani. All of a sudden, he is staring at four of his films releasing in quick succession: Aloo Chaat, Acid Factory, Daddy Cool and Kambakth Ishq. In fact, he seems to be coming back after a sabbatical of two years because in 2008, he saw only two releases; De Taali came after a delay while Money Hai Toh Honey Hai featured him�in a miniscule role.

So during this period of assessing new projects, what exactly was he looking for? "The excitement factor," Aftab is prompt in replying, "By nature, I have always been extremely selective about the projects I do. And for that, my basic criterion has been whether the project excites me or not. I have to see whether it would give me satisfaction to be working in a particular setup. These films should make me feel happy. This was always my agenda and this will stay on to be my agenda. This is why right now too, I am very selective."

And is Aloo Chaat one of those selected few films that excited him and made him nod in agreement? "Exactly. The title itself is so catchy, I just had to do it. It is very appealing," Aftab says with a smile. Excited about Aloo Chaat which features him in a solo lead, Aftab draws some neat references for this Robby Grewal-directed film. "See, this one is a feel-good funny film with all the commercial ingredients one would look forward to in a family entertainer. If you have loved Hrishikesh Mukherjee cinema in the 70s, you will love this as well. Robby (Grewal) has a flair for incorporating small things about life that keep that smile on your face. Aloo Chaat has a�number of such heartwarming moments."

Robby, who has just returned to Mumbai after his marriage last week in Delhi,�is also�mighty pleased about working with Aftab. "He is a very good actor and his comic timing is great. When you work with him, you realize how good he is. I have utilized his comic potential in the film," he says.

The filmmaker was also quite clear that he wanted Aftab in the role of a Punjabi NRI who returns to New Delhi from America. "When I was writing the film, I spoke to him about the idea. He sounded excited and by the time my script was finalized, he was locked in for the role. It was as simple as that," states Robby, who has earlier directed Samay -- When Time Strikes and MP3 -- Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar.

Starring debutant Aamna Shariff�with Linda Aresenio as the leading ladies, Aloo Chaat releases all over India on 20th March.

Source: Bollywoodhungama.com