'I look like Bhagat Singh, don't I?' Bobby Deol on what it takes to bring a martyr to life

History, as the cliche goes, has a way of repeating itself.

The Deols -- Dharmendra and son Sunny -- have been working overtime on Bobby Deol, who plays Shaheed Bhagat Singh in Guddu Dhanoa's 23 March 1931 Shaheed.

The film is scheduled for a June 7 release, along with Raj Kumar Santoshi's film on the same patriot, The Legend Of Bhagat Singh, starring Ajay Devgan.

Bobby talks to Vickey Lalwani about what it took for him to bring to life a martyr:

What homework did you do to get into Bhagat Singh's shoes?

Well, I won't lie that I read encyclopaedias on Bhagat Singh. Frankly, I am a bad reader.

My approach to any role is different. I interact with people who matter. I had long sessions with the film's writers, director and, of course, my bhaiyya [Sunny Deol].

At the end of it all, it became pretty easy --- Bhagat Singh has always been a highly revered freedom fighter, especially by the Jats.

No preparation at all then? Ajay Devgan is reported to have lost some weight for Raj Kumar Santoshi's film on the same subject.

*interrupts* Bhagat Singh was a tall, well-built guy. I am lucky my frame fitted the bill perfectly. And hey, I look like him, don't I?

According to you, what is the one quality of Bhagat Singh that stands out?

How can you single out one quality in a man who had so much more to him than bravery? It tantamounts to a ridiculous shrinkage of a superhuman! Look at his intelligence, his style of letter-writing, his single-minded passion for freedom and the fire in his belly to start a revolution.

Have you seen the earlier films made on Bhagat Singh?

I have seen the one made by Manoj Kumar [Shaheed, 1965]. As a kid, why, even today, that portrayal makes me cry.

How is your role different from the earlier two Bhagat Singhs? Any nuance added?

You can't change and distort history. All that matters is the projection and portrayal. That is bound to vary from one director to another.

How was it working with Amrita Singh?

We spent a lot of time deciding who would play the role of Bhagat Singh's mother, but I can proudly say that we made the best choice. She hadn't faced the camera and lights for ten years, but she hasn't lost an iota of her touch.

How long and significant is Sunny Deol's role [as Chandrashekhar Azad]?

Long and meaty. Chandrashekhar Azad who inspired Bhagat Singh cannot have a small and inconsequential role. But don't compare it to my role; the movie is about Bhagat Singh, not Chandrashekhar Azad.

Actress Gracy Singh says she refused your fiancee's role as it had no substance. Comment.

I don't think she was offered the role in the first place!

How have you dealt with the unfortunate fire which caused a loss of nearly Rs 10 million?

We have come closer and regrouped ourselves. The motivation to complete the film and release it [on June 7] has now intensified.

I don't think it was sabotage. But if it was, God will not spare those who hurt us for no rhyme or reason. Sabotage is the dirtiest and cheapest act.

Do you think Raj Kumar Santoshi's refusal to cast you as Bhagat Singh and choosing Ajay Devgan was fair?

*looks up and rolls his eyes* No comment. But Ajay and I are friends and will continue to remain so. He is just doing his job like I am doing mine.

As for me, I am enjoying every bit of the attention. After we complete 23 March 1931 Shaheed, there will be a vacuum in me for some time.

Are you expecting a nomination for the Best Actor Award this year?

I don't believe in awards. Nine out of ten cases have awards being given to an undeserving guy.

Awards are supposed to be based on popular choice. Gadar -- Ek Prem Katha was the biggest film of 2001 in terms of collection. Why didn't Gadar win the Best Film Award?

Didn't my father [Dharmendra] deserve awards for his great performances? How many did he get?

Do you not think our filmmakers -- Ramanand Sagar, Kewal Kashyap, Ved Gandhi --- are overdoing the Bhagat Singh angle a bit?

Well, it just proves that we are true Indians!