In a recent interview, Bobby Deol shared his experience in working with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay on the set of one of the most highly anticipated films of the decade.
During the conversation, the actor revealed that the film was shot primarily on studio lots because of the breathtaking stardom surrounding Vijay.
“It’s a fact. No work will happen if you take him on the street. He’s that big,” says Deol.
Although the actor admits he has had very little interaction with his co-actor, he describes Vijay as “a very simple man. very quiet, very much to himself,” despite being a big star. Deol also opened up about the language barriers on set, admitting that though he could never understand much of what was being discussed, the director always ensured that he was never left out.
Starring in projects like the Telugu film Daaku Maharaaj, Deol is no stranger to South fandom. When asked if he finds stardom in the South to be “larger than life,” as compared to Bollywood, “there they worship the actors,” he says. “It’s amazing how united they stand for the film industry.”
The actor recounts the time he used to play in the Celebrity Cricket League alongside Mohanlal, and how the stadiums would be at full capacity because of the fan-filled busses that would arrive. “That’s the difference regionally, and how united they stand for their actors and the film industry,” he feels.
Jana Nayagan was scheduled to release earlier this year on January 9, coinciding with Pongal festivities and positioned as Vijay’s farewell to cinema before his political debut with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party. However, the certification process ran into delays, pushing its release to July 23.
“He doesn’t do too many promotions or interviews, but that’s how he likes it,” says Deol, going on to recall a brief conversation he had with the actor. “One day he told me he has done a remake of one of my films. I think it was Soldier.” Villu, Vijay’s 2008 Tamil film alongside Nayanthara was a remake of Deol’s 1998 movie Soldier.
Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by Venkat K. Narayana under KVN Productions, Jana Nayagan stars Vijay and Deol alongside Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Priyamani and Narain.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter India
