Sidharth Malhotra who has started shooting for Brothers an adpatation of the hit film Warrior talks about how he bulked up for his role, and trained for mixed martial arts
With Ek Villain doing a business of Rs 100 crore, Sidharth Malhotra is in on a career high. Not only has he become one-of-the-most sought after actors, his stakes have increased in the ad market too. Only three-films-old but this Student Of The Year actor has managed to spring suprises with every performance. If Hasee Toh Phasee had him playing a romantic guy, Ek Villain had him essaying a good boy turned bad and his next, Brothers will see him as a boxer. Here, Sidharth talks about evolving as an actor, his transformation and more..
Has Ek Villain changed people's perception of you as an actor?
I hope so. Actually, it started with Hasee Toh Phasee (HTP) more than Ek Villain. HTP was a slice of life film and I was not the typical mainstrean hero. That reassured people. And after Ek Villain I hope they stop looking for reassurance as I have done enough of films with different variety.
The film had you doing a lot of action sequences. Which was the most thrilling?
There was this stunt which had Riteish and me being thrown from a five storied building, wiith harnesses. That was both scary and thrilling.
Tell us about the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) you have taken up to prepare for your role as a boxer in Brothers.
I had just two months to gain a particular weight and acquire a certain size. The kind of training you do for MMA, you tend to loose weight and my character required me to be bigger (bulked up). I was in a catch 22 situation. I am eating as much as I can and trying to get the style right. It is very strenuous though. I am still slightly under the weather. I am not just a boxer in the film, it's a mix of martial arts.
Does this kind of a physical transformation take a toll on you?
Yes, it does. In this profession we are short of time, our days are not planned like in the US where actors get a six months gap. So, yes we do abuse our bodies, but up to us to do it in a healthy manner with trainers, nutritionists and your own research. It's also fun - what is the point in doing the same things? I have picked up a couple of sports which are new to me. It's also a great way to stay fit. Even after the film, I would like to continue with MMA at least twice a week.
Have you seen Warrior?
Of course, it's a cult film. Brothers is not exactly the same, it's an adaptation. I hope we make a great MMA film for India.
How is the experience shooting with Akshay Kumar?
We haven't started shooted together yet. I have begun shooting recently with Jackie Shroff. He is the nicest guy I have met, he has a great vibe. Shooting with seniors is a great experience - they have some interesting stories to tell!
There are reports about you dating Izabelle Laite..
(Cuts in). That's my personal life, I don't want to comment on it.
Lastly, what prompted you to associate yourself with Aquamagic?
I think it's a youth friendly brand and has a party vibe. A place where youngsters can go and chill. Most importantly, I have always been excited about water activities. Right from childhood I have loved swimming in salt water. I have participated several swimming competitions in Delhi but did not pursue it professionally. So when people from Aquamagica approached me it seemed like a good idea.
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