Actor Ruslaan Mumtaz is happy for the discharge of his newest challenge, an inter-racial romance titled Namaste Wahala. The movie, starring Nigerian actor Ini Dima-Okojie within the lead function, will premiere on Netflix on February 14.
Ruslaan performs an Indian funding banker Raj on this utterly Bollywood-styled worldwide movie. He falls in love at first sight with the Nigerian lawyer Didi (Ini Dima-Okojie) and the couple has to beat cultural obstacles earlier than they’ll get their fortunately ever after. Added to their worries are their mother and father, who solely make issues of affection harder for them.
In an unique chat with indianexpress.com, Ruslaan Mumtaz talks about bagging this crossover movie, his expertise working with an African workforce and why Namaste Wahala goes to be the right Valentine’s Day watch.
Excerpts from the dialog…
How did Namaste Wahala occur?
The director Hamisha Ahuja was searching for an Indian actor and he or she actually preferred my face for she thought I seemed precisely like a Bollywood hero. The movie was made with an African solid and was alleged to launch solely in Africa. I bear in mind the stylist of the movie informed me that it’s an ideal challenge however received’t assist me in my profession, because it received’t be launched in India. I took it up with that mindset and mentioned sure just for the expertise. When would I’ve ever gotten an opportunity to romance an African lady and even do a crossover movie like this? And see, now, one 12 months later, it’s a Netflix unique and the entire world will get to see the movie.
From the trailer, it appears like a typical Bollywood movie. You are named Raj, there’s a love battle and even some tune and dance sequences.
Technically, Namaste Wahala is a Bollywood movie from soul. From what I’ve come to know folks in Nigeria love Bollywood and for them Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan are like God. Hamisha needed to thus make an identical movie for the viewers there. She needed to make an idea movie with all of the drama, in order that they get a flavour of Bollywood in their very own movies. Also, the tradition of each the international locations are very related. From mother and father frowning on inter-caste marriage to fashionable ladies being judged, the state of affairs all boils right down to the identical.
Tell us one thing about your expertise taking pictures for the movie?
The better part was that they’d all labored so laborious on the script, and there wasn’t a lot for me so as to add. Honestly, it’s a quite simple and actual movie. The dialogues are additionally like actual life conversations. The pre-production was performed very properly as they adopted loads of parameters earlier than occurring flooring. On set additionally, every little thing was so easy. The workforce knew what they have been doing, the photographs have been pre-planned, so it was a really relaxed and simple time for me. The actors there are so passionate and devoted, that I used to be in awe of their laborious work. I someplace thought that no one who is aware of me would watch the movie, so I used to be chilled out. And now I’m apprehensive because the entire world will get to see my efficiency (laughs). Hopefully all of them will prefer it.
The trailer has your character saying, “If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be”. He even proposes marriage on the primary meet. Do you imagine on this love principle too?
Not simply love, I really feel it’s the idea in life. Destiny is what leads us to every little thing. I actually imagine that if one thing has to return to you, it’s going to and if not, how a lot ever you attempt, it received’t work out. Look at this movie, it got here out of nowhere, was not even alleged to launch in India and now it’s on the most important platform for the world to see.
Also, did you need to ‘charm your way’ into your spouse Nirali Mehta’s mother and father coronary heart too, identical to your on-screen character?
Absolutely I did do this. And additionally, answering your earlier query when it comes to my life, Nirali and I met after we have been youngsters at Shaimak Davar’s dance studio. I preferred her however by no means imagined we might find yourself collectively. It was Shaimak, who had informed me that you’ll marry her sometime, and I had laughed at his absurd remark. We are very completely different folks, and are available from completely different cultures and religions. So her mother and father too had their doubts and had even mentioned no when she first informed them about me. A 12 months later, I met them, informed them how a lot I really like her. I additionally assured them that my profession or faith won’t ever are available in the best way of her happiness. They understood that and that one assembly modified every little thing for us.
Why do you assume Namaste Wahala needs to be the right Valentine’s Day watch?
Firstly, it’s a really romantic movie, good for Valentine’s Day. I received’t say it’s a really completely different story however sure, this couple is kind of distinctive and so are their methods. I’m certain you all will take pleasure in watching it.
What did you’re taking again from the movie?
That ‘if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be’. Destiny is above all. Also, I need to add a phrase of credit score for the director who has made this occur. Harmisha has been saying it’s going to be a giant challenge from day one. She actually has impressed me together with her dedication and perception. She additionally has a younger little one, and but managed to drag off a movie so superbly. I believe ladies at present are simply superb. If they take up one thing they see by way of it what could come.
You began with movies, then did TV, and now you might be additionally on the internet. Which medium will you concentrate on within the coming days?
Sometime again I realised that there isn’t a format or method to success. You simply have to hold working with out worrying about what would click on or turn into large. Hence, I don’t fear concerning the makers, medium or which nation would it not launch. All I need to do is a few good roles. And I really like appearing, so I might reasonably spend my time on set reasonably than ready at residence pondering what I might have performed.
You lately grew to become a dad, so did the lockdown come as a blessing to you since you bought to spend a lot time together with your son?
Yes, it was lovely to see him develop. It was worrisome when he was born in the course of the lockdown. We didn’t know if it was a boy or lady, so hadn’t purchased any garments. And then the entire nation was within the lockdown when he was born. My poor child was simply in his nappies more often than not. Some good souls then contacted us on Facebook and provided their youngsters’ garments and toys, which we humbly accepted. It was a surreal time.
What’s subsequent for you?
I’ve performed an internet present for the platform Digiflex referred to as The Perfect Script. It additionally stars Rajneish Duggal and Rahul Dev.
Also starring Richard Mofe-Damijo and Sujata Sehgal in pivotal roles, Namaste Wahala will begin streaming from February 14.
