I’m equipped to handle myself in the film industry: Sidharth Malhotra

I love travelling,” says Bollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra while speaking with HT over the phone from New Zealand. Sidharth, who is currently holidaying in the country, says he has made it a ritual to take some time off and explore new places every year, no matter how busy his schedule might be. Here are some excerpts from an interview.

Is travelling now an integral part of your life?

I made it a ritual a couple of years ago to see one new city every year. Last year, it was my first time in New Zealand. This year, I am back again. I’m seeing more cities now. Also, I shot in Miami (USA) for a film, and before that, I took my family to Sri Lanka. I want to plan trips with my family, friends, or all by myself every year. Travelling has been a part of my life, because my dad was in the merchant navy. He used to take us on ships for four weeks at a stretch. Bahut mazaa aata tha (we used to have a lot of fun).

Do you think you can take more risks at work now or will you play it safe?

Definitely [take more risks]. Do I regret doing a film like Baar Baar Dekho? Not at all.I really liked the concept and the message, but it wasn’t accepted [by the audience]. I am also man enough to accept that. So some films work and some don’t.

You’ve had a hit film and a flop in the same year. What has your state of mind been? How long did it take to get over your film’s failure?

I think it’s the experience. The longer you work in the industry, the quicker you get over it (failures). That’s called experience, and I am more equipped to handle myself in the industry and as a performer. I think this year has been a roller coaster ride.

How would you sum up 2016?

I was praised for a film like Kapoor & Sons, which was extremely popular and accepted, but not for a film like Baar Baar Dekho. So, now I think I am better at handling the highs and lows [in my career]. I have received praise for delivering a good performance in one film and was not appreciate for my role in another, in the same year. That made me understand that everything is short-lived.

Your next project is an action movie. Was that a conscious move?

No, I won’t say it was a conscious decision. I signed this film a while ago, when I was shooting for Brothers (2015). It just some time to go on floor. I enjoy doing action movies. In Brothers and Ek Villian (2015), it was a different kind of action. It was more intense. This film has more of ‘popcorn’ action, which is what I like to call it. It is thoroughly entertaining and has stylised sequences. It has also got a lot of humour and fun elements.

Were you at any point apprehensive about signing the remake of Ittefaq (1969) that also stars Sonakshi Sinha?

The film is not a remake, it’s an adaptation. Also, it is being directed by BR Chopra’s grandson, Abhay Chopra. (Yash Chopra directed the original film). I wasn’t apprehensive because this film is a murder mystery, which is exciting. We [film industry] haven’t seen one in a long time. I haven’t really seen a well-made murder mystery [in Bollywood]. So, as an actor, it will be exciting to give the audience something new.