Actor Aamir Ali, who was recently seen in Hansal Mehta’s Lootere, gets canidi with The Pioneer In an exclusive chat, as he discusses the series, shooting in Cape Town in extreme temperatures, his inclination towards OTT, and more.
Subodhini Purohit
Popularly known for his ability to play various roles on television, Aamir Ali mesmerised the audiences yet again with his captivating performance in Lootere, streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. For those unaware, he had previously collaborated with the ace filmmaker Hansal Mehta once again post-Faraaz.
Getting candid with The Pioneer, Aamir, who plays the character of Ghulam Waris, reveals, “Initially, working with directors like Hansal sir, Shailesh sir, and Jai was a dream come true. Lootere intrigued me; its storyline was unlike anything I had ever encountered. In television, characters are often limited to hero and heroine archetypes, but in OTT, the diversity and complexity of roles are fascinating. Lootere delves into the gripping tale of a cruise ship crew comprising Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis, held captive by Somali pirates with no hope of escape or rescue for the enslaved.”
As we went on further in this chat, the actor couldn’t praise the show enough. The reason, you wondered, is that he shares, “It’s truly groundbreaking for Indian OTT. The production, featuring both Indian and African actors, is unparalleled. Its bilingual format, a bold move, sets it apart from the rest. I’m grateful to Hotstar for believing in Hansal Sir and Jai’s vision.”
Filming Lootere was an immense challenge for everyone involved, from actors to makers and technicians. Shooting in Cape Town, Africa, presented formidable obstacles with its harsh temperatures and unpredictable weather conditions. The decision to film solely at live locations added another layer of complexity to the production process. Despite having security measures in place, he reveals, “The cast and crew found themselves navigating unfamiliar terrain, immersed in the vibrant yet challenging environment of African slums reminiscent of Mumbai’s Dharavi.”
Portraying a character who shuns violence yet possesses a knack for getting things done was a fascinating challenge for him. And so, he drew inspiration from real-life individuals whom he knew and admired, crafting a character that resonated deeply with him. “This character became a source of inspiration, embodying traits I found truly admirable. In one pivotal scene, as my character engages in conversation with another individual, tension mounts as a gun is suddenly pointed in his direction. However, as the scene unfolds, it becomes evident that my character maintains complete control of the situation. Through his sharp intellect and quick thinking, he skillfully navigates the encounter, effortlessly turning the tables in his favour. This moment serves as a testament to his astuteness and cunning nature. Watching the show will reveal why this character holds such significance for me as their journey unfolds on screen, showcasing the depth and complexity of their beliefs and actions.”
The excellence of Lootere, he says, lies in its ensemble cast, comprised of incredibly talented actors who seamlessly embody their characters. Each actor was carefully selected not for their name recognition but for their ability to authentically portray their roles. He further shares, “The casting process was meticulous, ensuring that every actor perfectly fit their character, enhancing the authenticity and depth of the narrative. What truly sets this show apart is the remarkable chemistry between the cast members, evident in the nuanced reactions they elicit from one another. It’s through these genuine interactions that the true essence of acting shines, demonstrating the importance of strong reactions in creating compelling performances.”
Watching shows on international OTT platforms ignited a deep passion within him, sparking a desire to be part of such groundbreaking projects. “It was a dream I held close to my heart to explore the realm of OTT content in India and make a mark in the industry. As I embarked on this journey, I found myself living the dream I once envisioned. Being part of Lootere was the realisation of that dream—a moment of profound fulfillment and joy. I had longed to delve into the world of OTT shows, and now, having accomplished it, I feel a sense of gratification beyond measure.”
Exploring the vast landscape of OTT platforms and world cinema, he says, has broadened his horizons in ways he had never imagined. “While I once admired iconic characters like Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal in Agneepath or Aamir Khan’s roles, the diverse range of characters now available on OTT platforms has expanded my appreciation. No longer confined to just a handful of favourites, I find myself drawn to a multitude of characters from various shows and films. This newfound perspective has inspired me to seek out diverse roles and stories that challenge me as an actor.”
Next in line after Lootere is a project titled Doctors, helmed by Siddharth P. Malhotra. “I’m eager to dive into this new venture, exploring the intricacies of the medical world and delving into complex characters under Malhotra’s direction. As I continue to embrace the ever-evolving landscape of OTT content, I look forward to pushing boundaries and venturing into uncharted territory with each new opportunity that comes my way,” signs off Aamir on a happy note.
