AKSHAY KUMAR ON POLE DANCING FLICK, DESI BOYZ

November may be cold outside, but it will be suffocating hot in cinemas across the India and the UK, when Desi Boys, starring Akshay Kumar, hits the screens on the 25th.

The first trailer of the UK-set comedy is already dampening collars, as the film will reunite Askhay with fellow hottie John Abraham, following the global success of their 2005 hit, ‘Garam Masala’. But this time round, the screen duo will play the delicious ‘Desi Boys’ in a coming of age flick that follows two students who refuse to grow up.

The leading men will bare all as they play overseas students who turn their talents to male pole-dancing in a bid to earn some extra cash. Yet it’s not all wiggling and swinging around a metal pole, as the movie will see Akshay do what he does best: Action. The toned superstar took part in some exciting stunt sequences, including a descent upon a moving chopper without a safety harness for the title track.

Akshay, who shares a close bond with the UK, spent several months filming for ‘Desi Boyz’ in some gorgeous British locations, particularly the grand town of Oxford. Filming actually took place on the academic institution’s campus, as well as the bright lights of London. Joining Akshay and John are beauties Deepika Padukone and Chitrangada Singh, who will add some Bollywood-style energy, cheek and wit to the romp.

Desi Boyz also marks the directorial debut of Rohit Dhawan, son of one of Indian cinema’s most acclaimed comedy directors, David Dhawan. With the comedy genes in his blood, we can only expect some stomach crunching humour, contributing to the ‘perfect package’.

Asian World caught up with Akshay to discuss pole-dancing, reuniting with John Abraham and dancing along to the Desi Boyz track.

Tell us a little about the character of Rocco you play in the film and how does it differ from what we have seen you playing before?

My character’s name in the film is actually Jerry Patel. He is basically a guy who doesn’t care about anything or anyone and what the beautiful part about this film is, is how the recession literally forces him to buck his ideas up, take some responsibility in life and knuckle under – the journey is very rocking, I must say. He and his best friend Nick (John Abraham) completely run out of money and in desperation, are offered to become male escorts. Of course, my character being the frivolous one, he thinks it’s a brilliant plan, hence the name ‘Rocco’. Rocco is his night time name shall we say, where pole dancing becomes a necessity for both him and Nick, the rest is for the lucky viewers that go to see this film at the cinemas, only they get to experience the real Rocco & Jerry in me!!! This film is a first of many, 1^st time Director RohitDawan, 1^st time co-staring with Chitrangada Singh, 1^st time Pole dancing, there is so much of freshness in this film that I genuinely feel people will see so much from all of us, I love the story & you’ll all see ‘why’ when you see it…

Did you take any lessons in pole dancing before you started work on the film?

What can I say I was a natural (winks and laughs) No actually both John & I were equally nervous. No man wants to look either too good or too useless on a pole, if you know what I mean! Luckily for me, my gym is made of bars and rods so I’m used to swinging and climbing on poles daily, only now I had to do it with a stripper’s flare, rather than my usual monkey technique! I thoroughly enjoyed myself in the Bachelorette song, where both John and I come sliding down two golden poles to entertain the ladies. It’s been brilliantly shot and it’s all in good taste. This film is made so much for families to enjoy; even your Grandma’s will have an honest twinkle in there eyes.

What was it like working with John again after Garam Masala and has he changed as an actor?

All I can say is we are a pair and a half. Our reuniting has been well over due, and it’s been absolutely brilliant shooting with him again. The respect we both have for each other’s bodies and professionalism is immense. We have very similar backgrounds so it’s easy for us to get along so well. He’s always worked damn hard in his career and in this film he’s giving the ladies exactly what they deserve. The only thing that has changed about him as an actor is his growth, not only in his muscles but his maturity and dedication to prove he’s more than meets the eye.

What was it like working with the new comer Chitrangada Singh and what was Rohit Dhawan like as a director? 

Chitrangada is far from a new-comer. She is already critically acclaimed, has quite recently and deservedly won a National Award and she is by far an incredible actress, not to mention stunning as well. This is of course her first commercial film in Bollywood, so nerves were high but she has the ability to blow everyone away on the sets each day. An absolute pleasure to work with; I can only say I hope this is a first of many films to come!

As for Rohit Dawan, what a shock the world is going to get when they see this film and realize the age, the potential, the talent, the brains and vision this boy has. Rohit is a credit to his father and he’s done a brilliant job on DesiBoyz. He knows exactly what he wants and just how to get it. I’m a huge supporter of new comers; they have passion and drive of the purest form. Rohit has given me great confidence and we work unbelievably well together, as we both have one goal in mind and that’s pleasing the audience in every single shot. I am already looking forward to his future work – he has an eagerness to accomplish and to achieve. He is what Blockbusters are made of…

Did you enjoy filming in London and what are your favourite songs from the film?

London, London, London. It’s a dream city to live in, work in and play in. Me and my entire family love it, mainly for the parks and restaurants! As for the songs, this film has got a lot to offer. My personal favourite would have to be the Desi Boyz title track, it just gets under your skin and you can’t help but dance to the beat. I remember sitting in my car playing it over & over again, thinking ‘does this blow my mind?’ Before I even reached set I already couldn’t start waiting to shoot for it, and the visuals to this track are saucy, fun and fantastic.