Known for his versatile roles, actor Ranvir Shorey does not shy away from experimentation. Keeping true to this quality, the 44-year-old actor will be seen portraying the role of a father in his upcoming film, Blue Mountains, that is scheduled to be released on April 7. The actor was in the capital to promote his new film. In a tete-a-tete with THE WEEK, he talked about his role, the choices he makes and his thoughts on film censorship. Excerpts:
Ranvir Shorey
Tell us about Blue Mountains and your role in the film?
Blue Mountains is a children's film that deals with how children should deal with success and failure and how parents should deal with their child's success and failure. It's set in Simla. The backdrop of the film is a reality TV show. In the film, I play the role of a father.
What is the idea behind this film—judging reality shows or something more?
I don't think this film is, in any way, judging reality TV shows but is giving people a reality check on these shows. People tend to get swayed. It's important to keep yourself grounded and rooted to know at each point what reality shows are all about. That's all the film does. In no means it is passing a judgement on reality shows.
Your thoughts on censorship.
There is no place for censorship in a free democratic society. People should be able to make what they want, watch what they want to and also, more importantly, should also not watch what they don't want or don't like. The [censor] board can't curtail somebody else's right to make a film and watch it. Remove the negatives. As a society, we have to move towards positivity and acceptance and not disparity.
You often choose roles that are not part of commercial cinema. What makes you think out of the box and go after such roles?
I know that I don't belong to the formula mainstream films. Neither do I fit there nor I have what it takes to be a 'hero'. So, that is very liberating beyond a point and once that mirage of being a 'hero' is gone, it opens up a lot of possibilities because then I just follow my heart on the subjects and stories that appeal to me and the audience. I feel that I am not answerable to commercial success but my audience.
