Amit Sadh on Gold: In school I used hockey sticks for wrong reasons

Did you specifically learn hockey for this film or you always knew the sport?
I barely knew it. In school, I used hockey sticks for wrong reasons on the field. So, I was almost banned and plus, I was a footballer. So, anyway I had the least interest on being on the ground, so I would hit it on the wrong side. For this film, I've really worked hard.

How was it working with the team on sets?
It was great! They all are the powerhouse of talent. Kunal Kapoor, Vineet Kumar Singh, Sunny Kaushal- they all have their game and great talent. It's a privilege to be a part of such a beautiful film, and be around such talented people.

Tell us about your character in the film, and the preparations you underwent to enhance the character?
I play Raghubir Pratap Singh. He's a prince and born with blue blood. He feels very entitled towards everything, and thinks that he owns the world… not in an arrogant way, but he doesn't know any other way. He's very ignorant about the world, though he has a beautiful heart. He's very childlike in the understanding that he only wants to be center-forward. Raghubir is very stubborn about this. In the film's narrative, you'll see how the game and playing for the country actually matures him.

What kind of an experience was it to work with Akshay Kumar?
It was great. He is very talented, and we all know that. He makes a great environment to work. He's very disciplined and supportive.

I read somewhere that you said, after watching Breathe, people have started taking you seriously, and the pipeline has busted for you. Why would you say that?
I just think that every artist, every human being works hard. He also wants the world to read your article, to acknowledge and let you know that this article has made an impact! So, I've been working very hard since Kai Po Che. I have had my share of ups and downs, films not releasing, films releasing late, and several other things, which everybody goes through, no complain, no crying. I just feel that Breathe came at the right time when I was getting a little exasperated. So, there are times when you need a tonic, Breathe came in as a tonic, and the kind of love and appreciation I got from fans was overwhelming. The ownership that people gave to my character was the tonic I needed to go or continue in that aspect.

After seeing the ups and certain lows, have you understood the trade and tricks of surviving in the industry?
Yes. Mann ka ho toh achcha hai, mann ka na ho toh zyada achcha hai (If you get what the heart wants, good. If it's not what the heart wants, better). Just keep working.

Digital space is offering massive exposure these days, and you have been amongst the first few actors, who dived into this space. Would you continue doing it?
I would like to believe that my process is very extensive. Every story has a platform. Gold is not on an OTT platform. I just think till the time there is a balance, there are challenging roles for me, where I can entertain my fans or to a wider range of audience, then I'm in for it. There's no fixed thought process. Achchi kahaani jahan hoti hai, vahan achche log honge, achchi vibe hogi, mai bhi vahan hu (Wherever there's a good story, there'll be good vibes with good people around, and I am there).

Any particular genre that you really want to do?
I'm not about genres. I'm pretty open in my mind. I want to be challenged, want to do different roles, but that is not in my hand. I can only hope. The ball is in their court - the producers, the directors. I hope with Gold, they realize that I am versatile, I can do more roles, chew and bite more. We all want to grow and want more. That's the human greed, but I am okay with the pace.

Do you think you've been typecast?
No, I don't think that. I'm happy with my journey, I don't have any complaints. It's just the human tendency that you want more. And, there's nothing wrong in saying that I want more.

How have you grown as a person and an actor in this entire journey starting with Kai Po Che, Guddu Rangeela, Running Shaadi, Sultan, Breathe, and now Gold?
I think I'm much calmer, I have more confidence. There's IQ (Intelligence Quotient), which can't be changed, it's there since childhood. I think I have worked a lot on my EQ (Emotional Quotient) and SQ (Spiritual Quotient) and balanced it as an artist. Since the day I have started understanding the power of gratitude, I think that brought in a lot of peace. Generally, we are always bothered about the glass half full or the glass half empty, I say I have the glass.

Also Read: Amit Sadh: Reema Kagti Is My Favourite Director

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