‘When failure hit me, I hit back with double force’

National Award winner Saurabh Shukla, who celebrates his Bollywood silver jubilee this year, talks to Sangeeta Yadav about his upcoming films and low moments in life

How was it to play a seasoned villain in Raid?

It was very challenging to play a completely dark and psychotic character. Initially, it was a bit scary because I was not sure whether I would be able to do justice to it. To get into the skin of Tauji, who is a corrupt power-driven politician/industrialist, director Raj Kumar Gupta came to my rescue. I had faith in him and knew that he would bring out the best in me.

Raid showcases the longest running raid that took place in the 1980s…

During the 1980s, it was very difficult for the IT officials to conduct a raid. There was no mobile phone and media to instantly inform. There were times when these IT teams were manhandled by goons during a raid of powerful people and nobody came to know about it. This film showcases one such story of how an adamant IT officer Amay Pattnaik raids the house of Tauji, the longest running raid of that time. The IT officers were not only manhandled by goons but also locked up in the compound for a couple of days. It was a complete cut-off for them from the rest of the world. The film shows beautifully how the scenario changes and it also depicts in detail the tug of war between Tauji and Pattnaik.

Did playing a dark character leave a negative impact on you?

It was difficult to achieve that psychotic state of mind but it did not affect me personally. As Shyam Benegal once said, actors have to get into the skin of the character but, at the same time, keep his own identity alive. Then only will you be able to do justice to the character and be real to yourself.

You are also playing a negative character in Daas Dev. How is it different?

Getting into the psyche was difficult because I’m not a politician and I have not seen that side of politics. To get into that morality and understand, director Sudhir Mishra helped me a lot.

How has the portrayal of hero and villain changed over the years?

Both Raid or Daas Dev delve into the psychology of the characters, something that was not the norm earlier. It was there in the 60s, but by the 80s and 90s, the story stopped going deep into the psyche. The hero was portrayed as a superhero and a villain as super-villain. But now, films are showing their human side which is much more real. Today’s characters are much more layered and realistic and it gives actors a chance to play complexities.

It is your silver jubilee year in Bollywood. What are the celebrations like?

I’m celebrating it with a lot of happiness. The best part is that I did not lose my identity while playing so many characters. It was my biggest fear and in pursuit of success, I might have to do something which I don't like. I never had to do anything which I did not agree with. There were highs and some very bad low moments in my life but I always had faith that my work would not go waste and there is no giving up.

What were some of the low moments in your life?

I have been through all kinds of lows, be it monetarily, work-wise, when people are not talking about you and your work, and you doubt that is there anybody who is even noticing your work. You also have existential questions at times that whether it is worth doing or not. In those times, my biggest strength has been my wife Barnali Ray who is my friend and best critic. Also, I’m a very adamant person and when failure hit me, I hit back with double force. When I fail, I ask myself how to get back to work on it. My lifelong quest is not to achieve any physical goals but a seeking journey that will help me evolve in this lifetime.

Did the National Award for Best Supporting Actor in Jolly LLB came too late?

There is a saying: Jab aankh khule tabhi sawera. Be it late or early, it doesn't matter as far as you are getting acknowledged. I’m gratified.

What are you working on?

I will be off to shoot my new film by director Anubhav Sinha,tentatively titled Democracy. This film is also starring Richa Chadha, Pankaj Tripathi, Kumud Mishra, Panoj Pahwa and others.