Tiger is at war!

How is War different from your other action movies?

It’s the first time I am doing a two-hero film. Also, I have never done a movie on such a big scale. The style of action I am doing is very different, even the character I am playing is very different from my past roles.

How was it working with Hrithik Roshan?

Well, it was an absolute pleasure. I was excited and nervous because you’re facing a hero you idiolised!  

With song Jai Jai Shivshankar out, people are comparing your and Hrithik’s dance. What would you like to say about it?

For me, they’re comparing me to the God of dance. I mean it’s a blessing because I am today a dancer because of Hrithik sir. I started dancing after watching his videos and now the fact that people are comparing me to him is a huge accomplishment.

Did you do any special preparation for War?

Both in terms of dancing and action, I had to push myself to a higher level because the audience expectation of having the two of us in one frame will be very high. So in order to give them a good show, we really had to push ourselves very hard.

War is being said to be the best action film ever. Is it comparable to Hollywood action movies?

Well, I don’t want to speak so soon. But definitely I think this movie should make India proud. In War, we have international fight choreographers and action directors who have worked on big films such as Avengers. They themselves said that it’s no less than what they do over there.

You are known as an action hero. Don’t you want to shed off this image?

No. I love that it gives me an individual identity. There’s so much competition out there and if I am known for something special, that makes me stand out.

What all training have you taken to learn action?

I have not done any training in action — neither judo nor MMA. Whatever I have learnt, it is by watching videos. I used to watch action videos and practice on my own. 

You will be seen in Rambo remake. How easy or difficult was it to step into the shoes of Sylvester Stallone?

It’s not easy at all because he’s the epitome of an action hero. He can never be replaced or nobody can step into his shoes because they are very big shoes to fill! My movie will be a tribute to him.

Do you discuss film scripts with your father, Jackie Shroff?

I don’t discuss my work with him. He actually only sees the final product.  

Which actor do you think can do justice to the biopic on your father?

A biopic on my dad would be a really interesting one - how a boy from Mumbai’s chawl became a star! I can’t really think who could play him better on screen. Not me for sure.

Who is your inspiration when it comes to action?

Jackie Chan; he is the Michael Jackson of the action genre.