There is something about Himesh Reshammiya. He may not top your favourite actors’ list, but you cannot ignore him. Reshammiya, who made nasal twang a fad with the chartbuster Aashiq Banaya Aapne, will be out this Diwali to woo his fans with his histrionics and, of course, music in Damadamm, an entertainer about a two-timing lover, written by him. He talks to Priyanka Pereira about reinventing himself and competing with Shah Rukh Khan’s Ra.One for attention.
Did the failure of your previous films make you look at comedy, a more popular genre?
I am inspired by Kishore Kumar. He was such a great performer, actor, singer and composer. I want to take his legacy to the next level. As an actor, I started out well. Aap Ka Suroor was a big hit, which gave me the start I needed. With Karzzzz, I shouldn’t have tried remaking the classic. Radio was more for a niche audience. Kajraare was a good film and the music had picked up well, but my fallout with Bhushan Kumar ruined it for me. Now, all the misunderstandings between us have been put to rest.
With Damadamm, are you trying to reinvent the actor in you?
Until now, people have seen me as Himesh Reshammiya in films. But in Damadamm, they will see me as Sameer, a middle-class boy who is trapped in various situations because of a possessive girlfriend.
Where did the inspiration for the songs Umrao Jaan and Madhushaala come from?
Lyrics are as important as the music. After the music of Bodyguard became a success, I had to better it by composing songs which were completely out-of-the-box. With Umrao Jaan and Madhushaala, I wanted the music to be a rage even before the movie releases.
Your film will be competing against Shah Rukh Khan’s Ra.One in theatres.
Not at all. Shah Rukh Khan is the king of Bollywood. His film will do well. But on the occasion of Diwali, I am sure mine will also do well, just like Akshay Kumar’s Garam Masala and Ajay Devgn’s Golmaal.
How do you define your journey as an actor?
My journey has been full of ups and downs, but nevertheless wonderful. I have been critically acclaimed by as many as 40 critics. Commercial success has eluded me, but when you are a good actor, success will come sooner or later.
What is the secret behind your sustenance as an actor?
My biggest USP has been my music. Also, I have the ability to reinvent myself. I have composed for over 100 films, which most composers wouldn’t do in their lifetime. As an actor, I have looked at different roles. Soon, you will see me with a six-pack as I am set to play an action hero. I am also working in a Hollywood film called A Star Is Killed, where I am the only Indian actor.
You had sworn off composing music for films other than your own. Why did you make the exception for Bodyguard?
I was creatively not ready with more music after Namastey London. I had worked continuously for years and exhausted all my songs. For one-and-a-half years, I took a break and composed 500 songs and now, I am using all of them in the films I have signed as actor and composer. Right now, I have signed Namastey London 2 and Dangerous Ishk. I am also working on my international album, where I have collaborated with Edward Maya.
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