Don’t want to make career as an actor, says Kashyap

Anurag Kashyap, for a change, is in front of the camera and critics have given his negative role in Sonakshi Sinha-starrer Akira a thumbs-up, but the director says he is not keen to act on a regular basis.

The 43-year-old filmmaker, who has acted in the past as well, enjoyed playing the villainous cop in AR Murugadoss’ film. He, however, does not see himself as an actor.

“I will act only if I get enough money, otherwise I don’t have any intention to act. I will do acting only if the role is good or someone gives me obscene amount of money that solves my other problems,” said Anurag.

“I don’t want to make a career as an actor. I don’t mind acting, but my focus is on my films. To take up more offers, I should have time and when I have time, the story and the role have to be good,” he expressed. 

On the response to this role, Anurag said, “I have never got so many calls and messages, that too non-stop. Trade (analysts/critics) people are saying stop him from making films, let him do acting only.” 

The Gangs of Wasseypur director has done a lot of theatre, but he thinks acting in films is completely different as it requires longer commitment.

“I don’t get nervous, but it’s a longer commitment. I am scared of making longer commitments. It is not that the work (acting) will get over in 15 days, but then there is dubbing and promotions that you have to do, so, you have to relive your character again,” he said.

“Acting is not difficult for me, it comes easily to me. I have done serious acting in films before. What is difficult is what to do when your shot is over and you are waiting for next shot. As a director, I am involved round-the-clock in a film. As an actor, you get two hours of waiting time between two shots. I can’t remove my make-up and costumes. I can’t read or do anything between shots as my mind will get diverted from the scene I was doing. So it’s difficult,” he said.

Anurag said like everyone, he initially wanted to become an actor, but he decided he would go for direction.

Owing to the films he has done as an actor, Anurag understands the medium of acting very well. Anurag did not let his director’s side come in the way while he was acting.

“I would go on sets of the film as an actor. I would want my director to trust and believe me and go with me, so I did just that. A film is made with the conviction of the director,” he added.