This story is from December 4, 2016

I get to learn every time I work with legends: Dulquer

Dulquer Salmaan talks to us about working with veteran directors who has also directed his dad
I get to learn every time I work with legends: Dulquer
Dulquer Salmaan is currently on the sets of Amal Neerad’s untitled film in Texas, USA. The actor will soon be approaching his 25th movie and from his filmography, it’s evident that he has found a balance working with young directors as well as veterans. In fact, every year since his debut in 2012, the actor has worked in at least one movie with an experienced filmmaker who has also directed his father Mammootty.

His next release Jomonte Suvisheshangal has Sathyan Anthikad directing him and next year, he will once again team up with Lal Jose for Oru Bhayankara Kamukan.
Being an astute student of cinema, Dulquer maintains that the experience of working with the masters of the craft has only augmented his learning curve. “There’s so much for me to take away, to learn, because these directors come with years of experience,” he says. “For me, it’s also very personal because I have grown up watching their movies. They are living legends and they have made some amazing films with my dad and Mohanlal sir. So, every time I get an opportunity to work with anyone my dad has teamed with, I feel my life comes a full circle. Working with them is the only way I can show my respect for them.”
Over the years, Dulquer has also worked with Mani Ratnam, Ranjith, Anwar Rasheed, Amal Neerad and Martin Prakkat — all of whom had directed Mammootty as well. “I’m glad I am getting a chance to act in their movies because they had worked with my dad and they tell me stories about those days of shoots. Those are really exciting,” the actor says.
Even the days of shooting for Jomonte Suvisheshangal were replete with such tales, he recalls. “For me, it was like stepping into a film I grew up watching. I could hear Mukesh sir and Sathyan sir joking about instances that happened during the shooting of Ponmuttayidunna Tharavu and Mazhavilkaavadi. All those movies are part of my holy book of cinema. So, getting anecdotes of how a particular scene was shot was educational,” he says.

The actor recounts that he had similar moments even during the filming of Mani Ratnam’s OK Kanmani. “Mani sir would tell me about what transpired during Roja and Iruvar. All that means a lot to me because I’m as much a movie buff as the next guy. I’m lucky I got the opportunity to step into the world of cinema and hear about how my favourite movies were made,” Dulquer adds.
So, are there talks of comparisons between his dad’s acting and his, especially on these sets? “As an actor, everyone is different. I think people draw parallels when you entertain them in similar ways. I don’t think I entertain like my dad. I have always tried being myself. So, I haven’t heard them compare me with my dad,” he says.
And there’s also another department in which, Dulquer says, he finds it hard to top his dad – making a style statement. “I think he’s got swag. There’s a certain flair and oomph in the way he carries himself. I love clothes, styling but I am not blessed with whatever magic or the secret ingredient that he has. No matter what I do, I just can’t bring that in,” he admits.
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