LIVING A DREAM
A huge pressure relies on your shoulder if you are the son of a superstar – no doubt people start comparing you to your father. This is what happened with Mahaakshay Chakraborty also; being a son a Mithun Chakraborty, acting comes naturally to him. The three-film-old actor is yet to make an impact in the industry.
His fourth film Ishq-e-Dariyaan with Evelyn Sharma is all set to release in April. He has a lot of expectations from the movie which he termed as his most important movie so far. In an interview with Abraxas NU, the actor talks about his personal and professional life. Here are some excerpts from the interview.
In your debut movie, you made your entry as Mimohh. And now Mahaakshay. What‘s the reason behind that? And what is the meaning of your name?
Actually my real name is Mahaakshay and Mimohh was always my pet name. So we thought that back in the day Mimohh was small, sweet and simple to understand. After Haunted, Vikram Bhatt wanted me to go back to my original language. So now it is only Mahaakshay. It means “the immortal man” in Sanskrit.
Tell us something about the film Ishq-E-Dariyaan.
Well right now it’s too soon to talk about it, but right now I can tell you that it is a romantic film. The story is about this a girl from India and this a boy from America, and how circumstances make them come together and what happens. But what I can tell you definitely is that it is a pure love story. It is not something out of the box. This is a very real love story; everyone will be able to connect with it. We have targeted that and that is what we want in this film also.
How far would we see the real Mahaakshay in the film?
In the character? Well, I believe that human beings in particular- we have a lot of violence in us and we also have great compassion. You will not only see Mimoh in this, you will not only see Mahaakshay in this, you will see every man in this. I believe that the character that I’m playing which is of Adam Dewan in the film is a character that every man can relate to. Because he is a character who is in love. So I think every man and woman will be able to see themselves in this, more than me seeing myself in this. Because at the end of the day, I am just a man like anybody else; I fall in love, I get hurt in love, I cry in love and I rise in love. So everything is about love.
Has it actually happened in real life with you? Were you ever in love?
Yes, I was. I have been in love, I’ve been heartbroken, I’ve again been in love, and I’ve again been heartbroken. It’s the story of every man’s life so I don’t think that mine is any different.
So we will see a more matured Mimoh now?
I really hope that your best wishes come into play and that happens.
Being the son of a superstar who has reigned in the industry for years, what are the challenges that you can foresee in the industry? In short I would ask: Is this an advantage or a drawback?
To be honest, this question has been asked every time. What happens is that when our film comes out, they see the background and they automatically start comparing the two backgrounds.
Absolutely. They have more expectations. A newcomer with no background, we don’t expect anything. If he/she does well, then it is okay. But a star kid and that too of a superstar. I think that is not fair.
Well, then that’s life. We can only deal with the cards we have. We cannot expect different cards. So this is the life I have and these are the challenges that I have to face, and these are the chances I had to overcome. Instead of telling the audience to show me mercy, I should find ways to improve my disabilities and make myself better for them. Only then I can do that because otherwise, I won’t be able to.
What would you say about your dancing skills? Again the comparisons will come up…
Everything that I do is in comparison. There’s nothing which I don’t do which is in comparison. Whether it is the way I walk or talk or even wake up and blink my eyes in the morning. Everything is in comparison with my father so I believe that whatever I do when I come to films, the comparison will always be there. So I just know that I have a job to do which is just to try and get better every day. Every day dedicate myself to a cause, a purpose and make sure I never stop.
How do you react to the comparisons? Aren’t you irritated?
I’m used to it. Before I wanted an escapism from it, but now I’m very used to it. I believe that it is a part of my life and it has always been a part of my life. Tomorrow inshallah with your blessings, if I do become a star even then the comparisons will be there.
What about your father’s reaction; how does he find all this?
He said that you chose to come in this line; I never dragged you into this. I never forced you; your mother never forced you. Now if this is your decision, you have to live with the consequences also. You will reap the rewards and you will also face the criticism. Both are in your favour. Now it’s up to you how strong you are to face it. Fortunately for me, since day 1, I have been trashed left and right. People have hated me and people have loved me. So right now I am very used to the calmness in my life. Today bad things and good things are very neutral for me. I don’t get elevated by compliments neither do I get demoted by negativity. I’m very neutral and very calm.
Do you seek advice from your parents while signing a film? Or the decision is all yours?
Well definitely when I’m confused. Like for example when a script comes my way and I like the story, then definitely I will see the pros and cons of the story and then I will go ahead. But if I’m confused and I need suggestion or advice, my parents doors are always open. So that is why they don’t come and ask me everything, they just come and see what is required. If I go ask them, then they will tell me.
Can you tell us something about the bonding with your father?
We have a very good bonding. In fact, the more I grow up the more he becomes my friend, the more he relies on me for suggestions. He listens to me and I listen to him. Of course the father and son bond is always there, but today we possess more of a friends bonding. We have more of a bond of a boy who’s becoming a man because someday I do have to take over the business. Someday I do have to take over the legacy. Today he gives me advice regarding how I should go about, what all I should do in the future etc. So we have a very balanced bond.
And what about your mother?
I’m a complete mama’s boy. With my mom, the bonding has always been a mother and son bonding. She’s my best friend, she listens to me and she understands me. She scolds me whenever it’s needed and she holds me whenever its needed. She’s like the perfect mom; I can’t ask for more.
You have reduced some weight also?
I have changed my entire look for the film. My film producer wanted me to lose 10-15 kgs. So I completely stopped working out, I stopped eating; I used to only be on salad, fruits and juices. That came out hopefully well.
So what is your fitness regime these days?
I have been going to the gym for the last 15 years. It’s just that I have been having my trial and errors for a very long time. Right now I just believe that fitness is all about eating right, whether it’s salads, whether it’s juices; try to go as natural as you can. And of course if I want to give advice to someone: atleast 3-4 days a week they should exercise. Or they should do some cardio. They should eat right. And just once a week, let out.
Eat whatever you want, drink whatever you want. Doesn’t matter.But only once a week. And six days a week, work hard, stay focused and stay disciplined. But not just for a physique, but even for a lifestyle. You need to be in good health. Because that will turn out to be good for you in the long run.
Are you a morning person or a night person?
I’m a morning person; I don’t believe in night. I don’t go out at night, I don’t have a night lifestyle; I stay at home. I’m a very boring person when it comes to that. I read books and I watch television. I do a lot and I am learning a lot of online lectures right now. Doing online courses, whether it is astrobiology or my writing courses, I keep on doing that on my own. So whenever I get time I the night after I finish my workouts and my diet, I come home and I do my lectures. I read my lectures.
This is the other side of you which we never knew…
I love reading a lot. I read a lot of novels and I write a lot. I love blogging. Plus, here I’ve started taking 4-5 different courses in education, because I believe that education is something everybody should keep doing for the rest of their lives. I’m a big fan of space and exploration; that’s why I have taken up an online course.
So what’s next now?
Right now it’s only Ishq – E – Dariyaan. I sleep, eat, drink and breathe the film which I am working on – I really love the film. Of course whoever is involved with the film loves that film, but for me I have a very special bond with this film because the journey has been a very beautiful journey. And I really hope that it bears fruit. That’s all I can say.
How was it working with Evelyn?
She was a wonderful co-star. She had a more difficult role than I had and she’s come out with flying colours. When you see the film, you’ll agree with that. We both have mutually co-existed and mutually benefited each other’s performance by giving that chemistry. So it’s all thanks to her.
What are your expectations from the industry and the audience?
The only expectation I have is acceptance. I know that it’s a cutthroat industry and I know that time hasn’t been in my favour for the last 8 to 9 years. But I just hope this time around people do accept me. Not love me, even if they accept me, it’s a big thing for me. You know because I’m in a place right now where I cannot ask them for too much. I can only ask them to accept me and give me a chance to show that I love this business and I want to entertain them. I want their love, I want their support and I want their attention and I just hope that if they can give me a little bit of it, I’ll be grateful.
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