Akshaye Khanna talks about the motivations for corruption in his new film
Last seen in Farah Khan’s Tees Maar Khan, the versatile Akshaye Khanna is back to prove his acting prowess in Rumy Jaffery’s Gali Gali Mein Chor Hain.
Interestingly, the film touches on one of the most hotly debated topics today – corruption. “Corruption has always been an issue in this country, but our film is less about corruption and more about the system that has plagued our society,” says the actor. “No country in the world is free of corruption. Until we pay our government servants well, we cannot expect them not to make money on the side. It is not greed but necessity that makes them indulge in corruption.”
Incidentally, Khanna has kept himself updated on Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement for the Jan Lokpal bill. “What Anna’s movement has done is remind me of the freedom India’s constitution gives to its citizens. One man believes in something and his freedom of speech and expression has got the Parliament’s attention and rocked the government. Whether one is for or against the bill is irrelevant. I don’t think anybody is against the spirit of Anna.”
Talking about his film, Akshaye reveals, “I play a common man, a cashier by profession, and get trapped in this system. His life turns topsy-turvy because of a small incident, where he stands to lose all that is dear to him – his house, his job, his wife and friends. It is depressing to learn what happens to him, but the film is peppered with humour so the story is enjoyable. There is a certain depth, dignity and reality to the humour, that is rare for a comedy. This is also what sets the film apart. I felt a real sense of pride being part of it. Let’s see what happens.”
Lately, the actor has been making bold statements in the media (i.e. “Salman makes a good copy. I don’t”) and is upset with filmmakers for not casting him in their films. Is he bitter and disappointed professionally? “On the contrary! I have everything – great family and friends, wealth – the only thing I want is that I should get good work till I am healthy and able to work. I’d have to be an ungrateful b*****d to feel that I still lack something in life.”
Ask him about his single status and Akshaye candidly says, “I am too young to get married. According to me, marriage is for old people. At the same time, one is always looking for a soulmate. I am sure God will one day put us in the same room and that’s it. I will then get hooked and booked!”
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