Samir Soni: Neelam and I were wise enough to not jump into a new relationship after our previous marriages ended
Samir Soni, who has been missing from the big screen for a while while now -- his last appearance was a cameo in I, Me Aur Main (2013) -- is back with 2 films up his sleeves. We’ll soon see him in horror flick Cawnpore Villa and sports film Tez Raftaar. SpotboyE caught up with the actor, who opened
Samir Soni, who has been missing from the big screen for a while while now -- his last appearance was a cameo in I, Me Aur Main (2013) -- is back with 2 films up his sleeves. We’ll soon see him in horror flick Cawnpore Villa and sports film Tez Raftaar. SpotboyE caught up with the actor, who opened up about films, family and fatherhood. Excerpts...
You are going to be seen in a sports film. Tell us about your character in Tez Raftaar
I play an athletic coach with a dark past, who comes across a talented slum boy (Siddharth Nigam of TV show Asoka fame). My character finds redemption in helping this boy reach where he himself could not reach. I am quite happy with my second innings -- I am getting to play different and edgier characters.
What about your role in Cawnpore Villa?
I play a key character in the film. I am happy to age on screen, as I had got tired of looking young and romancing. Also, there is no pressure to dance. I am glad that I am playing a teenager’s dad in Cawnpore Villa.
Does being a dad in real life help you play the role more convincingly (Samir and his actress-wife Neelam have a 3-year-old daughter, Ahana)?
Yes, you don’t have to try hard to bring your parental instincts out.
Image Source: facebook/Samir-Soni
So, how is family life?
It’s great. Ahana helps me rejuvenate myself -- playing with her for 15 minutes washes away my entire day’s stress. Neelam has been a part of the industry and so, she understands when I am away for long. She takes care of the house so well, I am free to concentrate on my work.
Does your busy schedule affect your marriage?
We have our ups and downs, but are on the same page when it comes to things that matter. For example, we both value family life and are not party animals. On most days, we hit the bed as early as 9.30 pm. In fact, we jokingly call ourselves the most boring couple. We mostly fight over some personality traits -- I am a laidback guy, while Neelam is very particular about things. She gets upset when I don’t take some matters seriously.
This is a second marriage for both of you (Samir was previously married to model Rajlakshmi Khanvilkar, while Neelam was married to businessman Rishi Sethia). What have you learnt from your failed relationships?
We were wise enough to not jump into a new relationship after our previous marriages ended. We took time to grow up and become more realistic about life. As far as my first marriage is concerned, I think we got in to it too soon. But such is life and in any case, I am not someone who looks back. It’s all about learning your lessons and moving on.
Image Source: hdpicswale
Go on…
Also, apart from love, a marriage requires a lot of respect. Now, respect comes only if you have understanding which in turns needs patience. Sadly today, all these are lacking and divorces have also become easier. One needs to realise that life will not always be hunky-dory. Everyone fights with their parents and siblings, so why not with their better half?
Now that you have a family, is there pressure to work hard?
By God’s grace, we are financially sound. We believe that if we work hard, the rest will fall into place. I know expenses will rise once Ahana grows up, but putting too much pressure on oneself can prove counterproductive.
So, you have finally found your feet in the industry...
Yes, I have waited 18 long years for this. The industry is no longer at the mercy of a few big stars. The audiences are accepting niche films as well.
After films, will we see you back on the tube as well (Samir’s last TV appearance was in last year’s Darr Sabko Lagta Hai)?
I can’t see myself in the current historical, mytho and Naagin space. No matter how much money you give me, I will not do it. It’s not just about work, but creative satisfaction as well.
Image Source: lockerdome
What about the road ahead?
I am doing stuff that I want to do. I started working when the chocolate-boy hero was the norm, but deep down, it was not me. Back then, the writers focussed only on the hero, the supporting cast was not given their due. But today’s films are character-driven -- Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Irrfan Khan stand have carved their niche and in no way are they conventional heroes. My favourites have always been Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri and Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s films.
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