Jeet believes in destiny, and feels everything happens for a reason. “I wish to do many more things. This is just the beginning,” he says. When t2 caught up with him at his Grassroot Entertainment office on Lake Avenue a few days before the release of Boss, he exuded a quiet calm. And there was a sense of expectation hanging in the air. “Every film is special to me. We hope to live up to the buzz. We are confident about the product,” he adds. A t2 chat...

What thoughts are going through your mind now?

It’s very difficult to describe. Some say the feeling is like a mother delivering a baby. Simultaneously, there is huge excitement. Since we know the buzz around the film is good and the music has connected, we are excited. There’s tension and excitement.

How do you deal with the tension?

I’ve been trying to unwind. I know that I have done my bit, whatever was possible from my side… it’s like you have put in your best, from the day you went into pre-production, and then shooting and post-production, marketing, promotion. Everybody from Team Boss has put in their best… it’s difficult to unwind but yes I have been trying to do that for the last two or three days. I’ll leave it to the audience now.

Have you ever tried doing yoga?

As of now, no! (Laughs) But I work out and that rejuvenates me, relieves stress. You know, I experienced the same kind of excitement before the release of my first Bengali film Saathi.

How important is Boss for you?

Every film is important. This time we could also explore a lot of new areas, like how to get into the marketing of films. It has been a great learning experience. If all goes well, we would try to make a bigger film next time. Everything depends on box-office results. We have a new director, a new pair, visually the film looks different. Boss is not only important from our side but also important from the point of view of the industry... if this connects it will create a separate space.

As a producer, what are the key elements you look for in a script?

Both content and character are important, but one must also keep in mind the entire package — how the film is going to be released, how it is being promoted, how it is being marketed. All these things are also important. If you have a film with good content and it doesn’t get a proper release, it goes waste. And then you regret that you had spent so much time on that film. It’s important to pick the right ones so that you save time. When I listen to a script, it’s important for me to connect instinctively, emotionally, with the content. Then I am thinking like an audience member. You need conviction. If you feel a film is for a larger target audience, then you have to work out the logistics in terms of budget and everything else.

Who are you in Boss?

I am playing a criminal in a way for the first time. He has a very different set of ideologies, a different kind of attitude. I have never played a character like Surya before. When you are doing something you have not done before, it gives you a huge kick. It happens to any creative person. And it was a challenge.

Mumbai figures prominently in the film. What does Mumbai mean to you?

Mumbai has great energy. It is the hub of filmmaking, media, entertainment. Mumbai is one city where you can live with your dreams. You know that tomorrow you can achieve it. The city makes you tough. You have to go through hardships, nothing is easy. And once you go through hardships, it makes you a complete man.

Would you ever consider moving to Mumbai?

I’d like to take things as they come. I would like to grow. I would like more people to know me, to recognise me and get to know the work that I am doing. But I know my position and responsibility here. There are many dreams.

How was your experience of working with Subhashree for the first time?

It was fantastic. She knows how important this film is for her also. She was very committed. She knows how to carry herself. If she can continue in this way, she will have a good position in the industry.

How do you juggle your roles of a producer and an actor?

Everything is possible if you are responsible. I wish to do many more things. This is just the beginning.

After acting in 40-odd films in 11 years, what are your priorities now?

I would like to enjoy my work more. I have created a base here, and from here on I would like to explore more, not only as an actor but also as an industry person. Now is the time when I can experiment with things, now I can play different kinds of characters. I am playing a different kind of a role in my next film, Royal Bengal Tiger. I can experiment with a lot of things with different directors and producers.

Have you considered directing films?

Not yet (smiles). I haven’t thought of it. But you never know... I never say never to anything.

Are you open to acting in parallel films?

Yes. It is the right time to explore more. But somewhere I feel it is a bigger blessing to connect with a wider audience, so I would always want that space for myself. Whoever comes with interesting ideas where they feel that I will fit in, and when I feel that I can connect with the subject, I would love to do that.

Are you grooming new talent?

We are open to fresh ideas and thoughts. We are open to the idea of launching new talents — heroes and heroines.

Do you set goals?

Yes, I do. Every person who dares to dream, who has a desire to be successful, sets goals. I am no exception. It’s just that to achieve your goal you must plan accordingly and execute them. I would like to talk about my goals once I have achieved them. (Smiles)

When you look back on your career, which are the areas you focus on?

It’s been a small innings so far. It’s only that there was this one low phase... but I don’t want to highlight that or talk about it. It happens to every actor I guess. Everybody goes through ups and downs. You learn from your failures. So when I am not clear about certain things, I just go back to that period and think about how I reacted to certain situations. And then you get back on track keeping those thoughts in mind.

Would you say you are going through the best phase of your career?

Best? I don’t know. It’s been four years since we floated Grassroot Entertainment and we have done a film, Boss, with Reliance Entertainment. My next film Royal Bengal Tiger is produced by Viacom 18, Friday Filmworks and Grassroot Entertainment.... I am enjoying these associations.

Do you think of competition?

No.

 

How do you relax?
Spending time with my daughter Navanya. When I am with her, I’m in a different world.

Fave vacation spot: Anywhere in Europe.
Books: Inspirational books.
Music: Of late I am listening to David Guetta. I like Bollywood music, and listen to songs when I am driving.

Are you a foodie?
Yes! When I am on vacation, I love to dig into the local cuisine.
Fave restaurant: Majestic in Holland, a few in Thailand, Indigo in Mumbai.

Last good film you saw?
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Raanjhanaa.