PremiumGadar 2: Sunny Deol wants every actor to score a six in every scene, says Utkarsh Sharma | EXCLUSIVE
After having played the young son of Sunny Deol in Gadar, Utkarsh Sharma can be seen playing his grown-up son in ‘Gadar 2’
Last Updated: 03.07 PM, Aug 11, 2023
When the Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel starrer iconic ‘Gadar’ was released, it created hysteria at the box-office all over. People were going gaga over not just Sunny Deol’s epic one-liners, but also the acting abilities of almost every character in the film. Amidst all that, many were left wondering about the details of the young and innocent boy, who played the role of Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel’ s son in the film. Well, the young boy was none other than Utkarsh Sharma, the son of the film’s director Anil Sharma. Utkarsh, who has now transformed into a tall and dashing young man will be seen in ‘Gadar 2'
OTTplay caught up with this promising actor for an exclusive interview.
Utkarsh, you are probably the first child actor in Bollywood who has worked in the sequel of his own film ‘Gadar’ and now ‘Gadar 2’. Do you feel the pressure to deliver?
I feel very blessed to have been a part of ‘Gadar’ as a child and now as an adult. I think I'm the first person within a country, or maybe even the world who's done something like this … in the same franchise! And that too, in an iconic franchise as ‘Gadar’. So, in terms of pressure, well… there is always pressure when you make a sequel to such a big, big massive film, which has survived over 20-22 years.
There is definitely a hysteria around the film…
Yes of course! The audiences are so eagerly awaiting the release of the film. The film has such a tremendous brand value and recall value. So obviously, there has been a pressure of coming up with a story at least equal to the level of the other one, and which is why it has taken so long of over 20-22 years! If we just wanted to encash on the first part, we could have made it a lot earlier, when times were more favourable as well. So, I do feel the pressure of satisfying the public's expectations. But as an actor, I don't feel the pressure because the actors around me don't let me feel that. The film’s director (Anil Sharma) who happens to be my father, doesn't let me do that. And they all trust me. And I trust them. So, as an actor, I don't feel the pressure. But as a fan of ‘Gadar’, obviously, the stakes are high. And, the pressure is on us to deliver.
How do you see your transition from being a child actor to grown up actor in the same movie though the set-up, story and characters which have progressed in ‘Gadar 2’?
The transition is quite unique, because there had been no guidance whatsoever. Because, no one else has done it. So, when I did the role of Jeetey for the first time, I wanted to make sure that the character is very instinctive and very natural. That's what people resonated with when they saw ‘Gadar’ one. And I wanted to keep that core alive in this character as well (in ‘Gadar 2’). Because, when ‘Gadar’ happened, it all happened very naturally. I wasn't even narrating the scenes as I had to go on the sets directly. And whatever was told to me, I just had to perform.
How did you react then?
I have tried to keep the core alive and the characteristics of a child of ‘Gadar’. The feelings and emotions that he went through that journey was indeed a very unique journey for a kid at that age.
From playing in Sunny Deol’s lap as a child actor in ‘Gadar’ to running alongside him in the movie, how was the experience in ‘Gadar 2’? Also, what has been your biggest takeaway from Sunny Deol?
My experience this time was a little deeper I would say, because, I was able to speak to him as an adult, as a fan and also as co actor. I really learned a lot from him. People know that he is such a big mega star, but what people don't talk about is his process of acting, which, I think, I want to highlight. Because, whenever there's an important scene, he will walk around a couple of days or a day earlier before that scene, and he will feel the environment.
Carry on…
Sunny sir will thoroughly prepare himself as to how he wants to construct any given scene to its maximum potential. And he will think of all the other characters as well! He will give you such beautiful ideas while you are actually doing any scene with him. I remember one moment when he was just walking around and he was thinking in his head, and I happened to observe him. And I instantly said, “Sir, yes, you are thinking the right thing!”. He simply looked at me without saying anything and he smiled. As an actor, when someone is turning up the volume and if you resonate with that as it seems fresh to you, you want to do it too.
Your biggest takeaway from Sunny Deol as well as the film?
The biggest takeaway from the whole process of ‘Gadar 2’ is that, I realised how much of a team player Sunny sir is and how much he wants every actor to score a six in the same scene! And my biggest takeaway from the film is that I got to experience feelings of deja vu and also a bit of nostalgia. And because I've seen Sunny sir and Ameesha ji in the same costume 20-22 years ago, and now I'm seeing them again… they look as fresh as they did then. So, it's like time travel for me. I am just thankful to God for this unique experience that he has bestowed upon me.
Your father Anil Sharma, who is one of the most respectable and successful filmmakers, is also the director of ‘Gadar 2’. How was your working equation with ‘Gadar 2’s director Anil Sharma?
Actually, my father is a director 24-7 I would say! (laughs). He loves me to the core as a son and that we have a great bond as father and son. But on sets, we have this professional relationship of being the director and the actor. I didn’t and I also don't get any special treatment from him. I don't even get a special van or a special chair, or whatever you may say. My duty as an actor, according to him, is just to be on set to see what everybody else is doing and also to come up with creative ideas. He is very open to feedback from his actors, and he treats me also the same. And if, if anything, he would expect even more from me. So, I get my motivation and my drive to excel from him. At the same time, it always is a fun experience to work with him as I understand him instinctively. I had even assisted him in the past.
Looking back, ‘Gadar’, and ‘Lagaan’ clashed at the Box office. And now, the clash is between ‘Gadar 2’ and ‘Oh My God 2’? What do you have to say about it?
Both these films (Gadar and OMG) are cult films in their own right and they both did exceptionally well. Both Sunny sir and Aamir had done a great job in the respective films. As for the clash between ‘Gadar 2’ and ‘Oh My God 2’, I can tell you that it's a long weekend and that both these films have a different audience. Both the films are coming on Independence Day and I wish these two films all the very best at the box-office.
What next for you, post ‘Gadar 2’?
Well, I'm working on a couple of films. I have already signed them. And, in a couple of weeks, you will hear more about them. As of now, all that I can say is these two films have really fantastic stories. And that's my aim to be associated with fantastic stories. So, I'm really happy right now.