Sporty Affair
A critic favourite, who is known for essaying each of his roles on the silver screen, now has more fervor than ever. Saqib Saleem seems to be on a mission.
A Delhite tuned into a Mumbaikar, Saqib Saleem needs no introduction. But for many of you who may not be aware of this perennial star’s journey, we give you a sneak peak into his life. He made his debut with Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge under the YRF banner, but it was Bombay Talkies which was a unique but experimental film that got him his place in the eyes of the critics. Fondly remembered by the audience as the good-for-nothing son in Mere Dad Ki Maruti, the actor is all set to charm us with his performance as Mohinder ‘Jimmy’ Amarnath in the much awaited ’83.
Being a cricketer since childhood Saqib has played for both Delhi as well as Jammu & Kasmir. He is both excited and nervous about the film and talked to FHM about working with Kabir Khan, his fashion mantra and the preparations for the film among other things.
What’s your most embarrassing childhood memory?
We were once visiting my aunt’s place, when after two hours or so, my aunt noticed that her cosmetics were missing from the washroom. Later, they were found hanging on a nearby tree. At that time I was the one blamed for it. After 10 years, Huma confessed that it was her and not me. However, for ten years I got ample grief for the act.
You’re known for your edgy and sharp fashion sense. What is the mantra of your style success?
Thank you so much. It feels nice when people appreciate you however I feel I still have a long way to go. To me clothing is a way to express myself and that’s what I do. I am of the opinion that one should keep it simple, classy and minimal and not follow trends blindly. Fashion is very individualistic, what works for me may not work for you and you need to have your own sense of style, which is very important. My personal style mantra is to keep it simple and classy. Which is why, my collaboration with KOOVS is perfect. It is well timed and the looks are simple and easy to style. They were styled to showcase various ways in which one can wear blue, varying from a twist on Camo to tropical to denim on denim with a touch of graffiti detailing, and you can’t go wrong with blue!
What is your fitness regime? Do you have any cheat days?
I usually take four months off in a year when I don’t train and I eat whatever I want to. But the rest of the eight months, I make sure that I am on the most stringent diet. I eat clean, I feel that is important and I train hard. I try and keep a balance. I don’t go crazy with all the diets that are going around such as Keto, Paleo, Atkins. I try and keep a high-protein intake and I give myself some complex carbs as well which gives me the energy to finish my workouts.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
That I am an organised person, though I don’t give off that vibe.
When and how did you realise that you wanted to be an actor?
To be honest, I did not want to be an actor till I got my first film. I think the industry chose me and not the other way round. I had no acting background, but once it happened, I sailed through and decided that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Tell us something about your upcoming film ’83. How close are you to the game of Cricket?
It feels amazing to be a part of 83, it is like a dream come true. My last memory of the win would be when Jimmy sir knocks out the last player and the team holds the cup in their hands. My relationship with cricket is pure love. When I was young I always dreamt of becoming a cricketer and I have played at the state level as well. Therefore cricket will always be my first love.
How was the experience of essaying the role of ace player Mohinder Amarnath? Did you go through any specific training for this portrayal?
The preparation has been very interesting so far, we have tried to get Jimmy sir’s mannerisms, body language and have also brushed up our Punjabi language skills for the role. I am from Delhi but Jimmy Sir is from Punjab therefore there is a slight difference in the dialect. Also I had to lose a lot of weight and put on a lot of muscle for this specific role; for Rangbaaz I had put on weight to play the gangster and for ‘83 I had to lose all that weight. The journey has been fascinating so far and I’m hoping that when the film comes out on April 10, 2020, people watch and say that this actor has worked hard.
What projects you are currently working on? Would we be seeing you transition for any other film?
Right now my only focus is on ‘83.
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