While Rohit Roy might not have had a lot of film outings to talk about recently, the ones he was a part of, like ‘Kaabil’ and ‘Shootout At Lokhandwala’ have cemented him as an actor to watch out for. Now, he is all set to rule hearts with Sanjay Gupta’s ‘Mumbai Saga’, which released today, March 19. ETimes got in touch with him to find out how was it working on the film, his equation with his co-stars, and how are things shaping up for him in the industry. Read on:

How did you come on board ‘Mumbai Saga’?

I’ve always been part of Sanjay Gupta’s films, and there’s an unsaid rule between us: Like it or not, he has to write a role for me, and it has to be impactful. In ‘Kaabil’, he presented me in a way that nobody else has, and that was the first negative role of my entire career. So, post that, I kept asking him what were we doing next. He asked me not to worry, and then, one day, while casually chatting, asked me to block my dates July onwards, announcing that we’re shooting. When I asked him what we were shooting for, he laughed and told me that like he has never revealed a role to me before going on the sets, he wouldn’t now as well.

My role of Baba in ‘Mumbai Saga’ is very different from what I’ve done earlier. There’s a silent presence, which was very difficult for me to get the hang of, because I’m always used to mouthing dialogues, whether it was in ‘Kaabil’ or ‘Shootout at Wadala’. Since I have such a quiet presence, I had to really transform myself physically to be visible next to John (Abraham). That was one of the challenges too. Hopefully, I’ve been able to deliver what was expected of me. People have always expected me in larger-than-life roles and it’s always a struggle to play something totally out-of-the-box. But that’s also the fun of being an actor.

‘Mumbai Saga’ will be one of the biggest theatrical releases after almost a year. Somewhere, the fate of the other big releases depends on your film. How does that make you feel?

Absolutely right. With a lot of responsibility, we are coming out and I think, full marks to Bhushan Kumar and Sanjay to actually take this decision and make it a theatrical release. When we saw the film, we didn’t know what fate was going to be. We collectively decided that this is a risk that we have to take. I feel it will hopefully pave the way for other big-ticket releases coming up. They were all waiting for one big film to release, or at least announce the date, and the moment we announced one, a lot of other films started booking release dates. When we return to the theatres, people will also eventually come out and watch movies on the big screen.

Define your equation with your co-stars John, Emraan, Suniel, Kajal, Samir and Prateik? How was it working with them?

This was my first outing with John Abraham, as an actor, but I must say he’s been a breeze to work with. He is such a non-selfish leading man. Baba would not have been Baba unless he gave me that space and mutual admiration. I just love him, as a human being. Somewhere, that will show on screen because that’s what our relationship is all about onscreen.

The one I really discovered through the film was Emraan Hashmi. This is the first time that we crossed paths as actors, and we were on opposing sides, he’s got a wicked sense of humour off camera. He’s as easygoing as he’s tough onscreen.

I’ve known Anna (Suniel Shetty) for a long long time. We go back a long way and he is always been there for me. We’ve been very, very close all these years. So it was great to get back with him. He always pulls my leg.

Kajal Aggarwal is one of the loveliest girls I’ve worked with. I did a film called ‘Plan’ with Priyanka Chopra, who has a great, healthy, down-to-earth vibe. Kajal reminds me so much of her. She is truly a talented actress.

Samir Soni and I have been best friends for the last 28 years. And if there’s somebody who’s constant in my life it’s him and Sanjay Suri. Samir is a very, very hardworking and diligent actor, which is why he’s still around, in spite of not having any godfathers.

I’ve known Prateik Babbar since he was five; he has practically grown up in front of me and still calls me Dada. Strangely, in the film also he calls me Dada, because of the role. He is a powerhouse of talent.

Lastly, there’s so much of trust placed by Sanjay Gupta in me as an actor; we know each other so well, that one look from him, and I know what he wants.

During our previous chat you had shared how several scripts didn’t work for you and most of your films didn’t work. Have you changed your approach now?

I was a little more confident this time. I think this time, I was in a better place, mentally. And again, like I said, the role is very different and I don’t know how people will react to it. I don’t know if they will accept me or not; that only time will tell, but I put in my 100 per cent. Hopefully, when people see ‘Mumbai Saga’, they will see the effort that I’ve put in. Sanjay has always given me the freedom to approach a role my way, so I trust myself a little more this time. But I have never really looked at success and failure; I just put in my best. And I’ve done that with ‘Mumbai Saga’. In fact, I put in more than I could.

Are you happy with how things are shaping up for you in the industry?

Well, not really. One is never really happy, especially being an outsider. And I know this debate will spark another debate. ButI’m the quintessential outsider; I’ve been one for 25 years,and I have nothing against it. I have no complaints. I think being an outsider makes the journey tougher, but it’s all eventually up to how you will look at it. The flip side is that I’ve been around for 25 years, and I’m still getting the kind of characters I want to play.

I probably want more backing, in terms of acceptance from within the industry, which will help me get more roles that I want to play. Currently, the choices are very limited and I’m always very honest about it. I have never said I’ve got 10 scripts that I’m reading. In fact, after ‘Kaabil’, I sat at home for six months, without work, So, that that doesn’t really bother me. I’m an outsider and I’m proud of it. But yes, if you ask me if I am happy with the current situation that I find myself in, the answer is no, I want more.

And I think I’ll have to keep proving myself with every film, show, and OTT outing, that I’m capable. That’s the only thing that really works eventually.The fact that even after 25 years I am still relevant, makes me positive about the future.

What was Ronit’s reaction when he saw you in ‘Mumbai Saga’?

He loved me. In fact, he messaged me after he watched the trailer and said, ‘Boss…Boss lag raha hai’ (Boss, you look like a boss). He was very happy to see this kind of stuff because he’s always done such things; I have never done this kind of stuff– changing my look for a character. So he was extremely, extremely happy. The only two reactions that I look forward to are Ronit’s and my wife’s because they’re very critical about my work. In fact, both of them rarely say anything good about my work.

What are some of your upcoming projects?

God has been kind over the last couple of years. I have a handful of projects currently. I am currently working with Vikram Bhatt, and I have other OTT projects too but cannot reveal much at this point.