Don't want to repeat myself in crime thrillers: '83' actor Jatin Sarna

What was your initial reaction when you were offered the role?

Honestly, I had no idea about how big the project was going to be. I always believed it was a historical event which people would love to see because nobody had seen the footage of the matches. Initially I had no clue how big the film was going to be but I realised it by the time I read the script. Then I realised that I was going to be a part of a historical event which will be recreated.

As we all know the prime focus in this sports biography is on Kapil Dev’s character. But how much has your character, former Indian cricketer Yashpal Sharma, been shown?

I have ample footage in the film and have been shown in various matches. Also I have been shown well because of the character’s humour element. Humour revolves around him (Yashpal Sharma’s character). It is a very big role and I am lucky to have been chosen for this. I am happy with the way the character has been shot and shown in the film.

Did you undergo any training process like Ranveer Singh did to play Kapil Dev?

Everybody went through the training process to learn how they (Indian cricketers) used to play. I also watched the videos of Yashpal Sharma on YouTube. I had joined the training in Dharamshala and later in Delhi.

How was your experience of working with Kabir Khan?

Great. I would say I am very lucky to get a chance to work with him because Kabir Khan is a celebrated director in India. He is a nice and humble person. I spent time with him to know his story, approach towards cinema, lookout towards acting and direction. I am very thankful and humble to have worked with him. Working with Kabir Khan was a precious time for me in my career.

You have played a real life character in ‘83’. Eager to know whether you want to play anyone’s biopic.

I will definitely love to play that sort if it comes my way. Biopics always give an actor an edge as compared to fictional characters. But ‘83’ is my first film where I played a real life character, so I have tried to do justice to the role.

What kind of roles excite you the most, Jatin?

I want to do more romantic films and romantic comedies. I would love to explore those genres. Till now, I have not been given that chance. Crime thrillers are very easy for me. I can do it any day. Unless I don’t get roles like in ‘Sacred Games’, I won’t like to repeat myself in crime thrillers. I want to get the variety of my acting.

Who is your favourite romantic hero or actor?

I always loved the way (late) Rishi Kapoor used to romance on screen. I also used to look up to Rajendra Kumar because he was a mixture of everything. And of course Rajesh Khanna.

Since ‘Sacred Games’ gave you a big break in your career, can’t stop asking you regarding OTT. Do you think the Indian audience is getting more intrigued by the crime thrillers hugely available in OTT?

It all depends on what the audience is offered. People will keep watching it if only crime thrillers are offered. But I think we need to change it now. Life is not only about crime, thriller, betrayal or revenge. There are other emotions also in life which are yet to be explored and we have to shift to that also. We have to come out with a variety.

(Images: Instagram/Jatin Sarna)