People may have called me faltu: Riteish Deshmukh

March 29, 2011

 

by Noyon Jyoti Parasara

On first thought he is too young to play the principal of a college. But Riteish Deshmukh, who is playing a college principal in F.A.L.T.U believes it has to do more with attitude than age. We speak to the actor to know more about the film, which will be releasing on April 1, and why it is called by that name! He also talks about being called stupid. Read on to know more.

Faltu is not really a word we would use for something good in real life. What does it signify in the film?
You are right. ‘Faltu’ is something that we use often for things that we don’t like. And through the film we want to tell people that it’s not such a bad word. The film is about the system of education. Merit students are good but students who are not good in studies are not bad either. There are other fields apart from education and students should be encouraged to do what they like and excel in it. So the film says that people may be different but should not be rejected. We have also taken a lot of care in designing the logo too so that FALTU looks cool.

How did you react when you were approached for a film which is called F.A.L.T.U.!
When I first heard the title I was surprised. People may find it a very odd title but this title is very true to the film. We did ponder over some other title but Vashuji and Remo were convinced that this is the right title. And when you see the film you will feel that the film would not have a better title. You know getting the right title is important. It should be catchy and grab your attention. And going by your question I am sure the title has worked. It is difficult to come up with a good title and I am happy we got a good one.

And how would you react if someone called you ‘faltu’?
People may have said behind my back but never on my face. I would have been hurt if I was called ‘faltu’ before doing this film. But now I think I will be cool. Because the way the word has been used in our film it gives a very cool feel.

We hear you are playing a college principal. Aren’t you too young to play one?
Yes I play the principal of a college in the film. I have worked on the role. I grew my hair longer and also did not shave for some time so that I look older. It is fun playing a young principal. And no I don’t think age should be a matter of concern. When I was in college one professor was just four years older than me and he was like a friend. There should be respect but there should be friendship too. In this film I try to play a person who guides the students while he is also a friend.
But you don’t play the lead. No. The story is about four students who think of a new mode of education. Arshad and I play characters that are a part of the story. I am comfortable with that.

Have you ever done something that you would consider waste or ‘faltu’?
Oh yes! I am very scared of heights. So when I was in New York I did sky diving from 17000 feet. I had thought that by doing this I would conquer my fear. I was fine after I jumped but I would not go for another jump. That’s probably because I am still scared. That would mean my effort went waste. Faltu! 

What about doing something waste as a student?
Not really. I was a good student. But when I was about to come to films I am sure people must have said I am being stupid. But today I am proud of it.

What are you working on after F.A.L.T.U.?
I am doing Double Dhamaal and then I will do Housefull 2. Double Dhamaal starts where Dhamaal ends. The characters are same but the treatment is different. 

Finally, reports about your relationship with Genelia D’Souza and impending marriage keep cropping up. What’s your take?
Kuch toh log kahenge!