Before we start, however, let’s familiarize you with the man himself. Purab Kohli started out as a model and eventually became a VJ for Channel V. He got a taste for acting while working in television and is most well known for ‘Hip Hip Hurray’ on Zee TV. Purab received his first major break in Bollywood with the film Bas Yun Hi opposite the talented Nandita Das. He was later seen in 13th Floor which was produced and directed by his Rock On!! co-star Luke Kenny. Purab is also remembered for his outstanding work in My Brother Nikhil, Woh Lamhe and Awarapan.

Here is what this brilliantly charming actor had to say to us:

Purab, your performance in Rock On!! has been greatly appreciated and the ‘I Will Survive’ scene was extraordinary! What was your reaction when this scene was narrated to you?

I loved it. Abhishek told me he wanted me to sing the song three days before we shot it and I was game. The fun you see me having while singing, it was real.

What was it like learning to play the drums and have you always been interested in that particular instrument? Do you have any aspirations to become a drummer in a band? Also, are there any others you would like to learn how to play?

Well, the only instrument I learnt to play in my life was the guitar at some point but did not go very far with it. I never tried anything else. Maybe some high school desk beating… that’s how close I got to drumming. The drums are tougher than they look. I used to be a dancer so the breaking of music in to counts/bars… that came easily but separating each limb to a different count… that was tough.

I play a little now, but I hope to get better. I own a drum kit so I play when time permits.

Well, now drums are in my life so I’ll stick to that.

What are some of your favorite bands?

I grew up to U2, G&R, Skidrow, Scorpions, Megadeath, and Metallica.

I enjoy Radiohead, Indian Ocean, Black Eyed Peas. These come to mind right now.

You are forever experimenting with your looks. Do you feel it’s necessary to change your looks to enhance a character or do you simply like to try different looks for the sake of experimenting?

Honestly, it helps me feel the character. When I look in to the mirror I feel like a different person during every film. It’s fun.

Speaking of looks, we loved KD’s beard in Rock On!! What inspired that look?

Again, Abhishek suggested it at the look test. We had planned a beard but the plait was a last minute detail.

What was your favorite scene or moment from Rock On!!?

The scene between me and Luke at Jazz by the Bay. Also my drum solo. I practiced that for many months and was so happy when I got it right in one go!

How do you feel the film turned out? Did you expect the film to such a success?

I loved the film. My first reaction was… “Wow I’m in this film”.

Well, after watching it for the first time, one knew it was a good film, but such a rage the film would become I never imagined.

You have been receiving compliments all around regarding your performance in the film. Was there any compliment that moved you the most and if so, who was it from?

There were many compliments but the one that stayed with me was when a few people told me that I was the soul of the film. I also remember Ritesh Sidhwani saying that I was going to be the surprise package when he saw the film at the edit and I had not seen it yet.

You’ve played such a wide array of characters in your career including a homosexual character in My Brother Nikhil. What is it that you look for in a character and what was it in your MBN character that enticed you to take that role?

Well, I look for a great script and a great character to play and I think of what I can do with it. Like in Awarapan most people said “Are you sure you want to play a neg role?” I was sure about it because I had an idea of what I wanted to do with it and I knew Mohit had faith in me as an actor. In fact, Munnu, which was the character’s name, was born on the first day of shooting. Me and Mohit never spoke until we shot the first scene which was my last scene in the film. I suggested my idea and he loved it and gave me more to play with. Till date I think it’s the best character I’ve played. In fact, it was a small part, and I think I can explore a negative side a lot more. Let’s see in the future.

MBN is one of the best scripts I have read till date. I would be stupid not to play Nigel.

What do you find more difficult, comedy or drama?

It really depends on how you’re feeling at the time of acting it out. On a bad day everything is tough and on a good one things flow with ease.

You also romanced acclaimed actress and now director Nandita Das in Bas Yun Hi. How was it working with her? Was there anything you took away from the experience?

Wow that was a long time ago. But Nandita was very easy to work with and supported us bunch of new comers very well. She’s great.

Who is your favorite co-star from any of your films and who would you love to work with in the near future?

I’m an easy going person and usually get along with everyone so I have no issues. I enjoyed Shahana as an actor and am doing a film with her next year so I’m looking forward to that. Also Prachi, I think can be explored a lot more.

You once said that you don’t want to be Shah Rukh Khan and that “SRK is a star not an actor.” Would you care to elaborate?

Ha ha ya and a newspaper made a big deal about it. I guess it makes a good article heading. I was asked if I wanted to be Shah Rukh Khan and I said no I’m happy being Purab Kohli. Every actor aspires to attain the success that Shah Rukh Khan has worked very hard for. I take inspiration from him more than wanting to be him. I’m just happy being me and yes he is one of the biggest stars in the country. I think the size of his stardom over powers the actor.

You also said “less talented people get roles without blinking” which many people would agree with. Why do you think this is so and do you think this will ever change?

I’ve learnt from then that one also needs to have a commercial value to get cast for certain projects. I guess the answer lies with the audience. I myself like to watch films with an interesting star cast. So a good commercial value becomes the talent… substituting acting skills. There are beautiful people I like to watch and forgive their bad acting.

Purab, what other projects will the audiences be seeing you in next?

Rectangular Love Story will release February next year.

Lastly, is there anything you would like to say to all your fans on BollySpice and around the world?

Rock on I guess!

Thank you, Purab, for spending your time to do this interview. We really appreciate your candid answers and wish you the best of luck with Rectangular Love Story, along with all your future projects.

Rock On!! is still number 1 at the box office after its release on the 29th of August. Don’t miss out on what is now being called one of the greatest films of the year. Also, be sure to check out our exclusive interviews with Abhishek Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar and Luke Kenny. Meanwhile, stay tuned as BollySpice brings you many more.

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He once again plays a member of a rock band in Rock On!! and becomes an essential force in bringing the band together after a span of 10 years. As the calm and collected Rob, he brought an irresistible endearing quality to his character.

Now, after the release of Rock On!!, BollySpice caught up with Luke Kenny for an exclusive interview in which he talks about his experience of making the film and much more.

Luke, you’ve always been so involved with music. What was your reaction after finding out that you would be playing the character of Rob in Rock On!!, a film centered around the theme of music?

I felt it was a good opportunity to put my musicality to constructive use in a film that was to be representative of the Indian rock scene.

Did you find any difficulties in portraying Rob or did you easily jump into the character?

Rob is not a very complicated character, you see. All he wants is for Magik to be together and play music. When life disallows it he is a bit disillusioned himself and resigns himself to his fate, till he decides to do something about it. That’s kind of what I’m like in real life, without the resigning part though, haha.

How did it feel playing a character, who despite having cancer, always thought of his dreams and ambitions first? Also, how has the character inspired you?

Uplifting and exhilarating! I think it’s inspiring in the fact that he never says die. He’s always ready to seize the moment and take it to another level, regardless of the fatality of his situation. It’s a thought all of us should act on whenever we get the chance.

What was the experience like working in Rock On!! with some of the well known members of the industry like Farhan and Arjun? Were you nervous at all?

Well, hugely anticipative as I was going to be in the room with some of the biggest names in Indian films today, I had spent the last 8 years watching all of Farhan’s films as a director and hugely appreciating and admiring his sensibilities towards the human condition. Then there’s Arjun who is this, big warm hearted hunk of a guy. I went in looking to work with actors, and I ended up spending time with friends. Somewhere in between we made a film together.

What is your favorite scene in the film?

All of it actually. The scenes between, Arjun and Shahana, the pre-interval scene between Prachi and Farhan, Purab’s singing scene, his flare up scene before he goes on stage in the final concert, and my graveyard scene with Arjun. They’re all such powerful and heartfelt moments that join up together so well. It’s difficult to extract them… you know.

What has been your most memorable moment, whether it’s something that happened while filming a shot or simply hanging out on sets?

The day we shot the jumping into the water scene… it was a super fun day, like a picnic. We all had our signature dives, which u see in the film, except me… I fell flat on my tummy, ha… which u don’t see in the film, lucky me!

Besides the keyboard, what other instruments do you enjoy playing?

The guitar and the harmonica…

What’s the best compliment you’ve received about your performance in the film and who was it from?

Surprisingly there have been so many who’ve appreciated my work, that it’s unfair to name any one. All my friends and loved ones who have been so supportive, but amazingly I’ve had people who I had not met in over 15 years call me up and tell me what an emotional experience it was…it’s been humbling and amazing.

What were your expectations from the film and how are you reacting to the overwhelming response from the audiences?

Well I knew that the film would touch its core audience in a way, from the story point of view as well as the music, seeing as it was a fairly niche kind of film, but to see it cut through all strata of acceptance has been a huge eye opener. It goes to show how mature and evolved our audiences really are.

You directed co-star Purab Kohli in your film 13th Floor. How was it different being on the same side of the camera this time?

The responsibilities were a bit less this time, as you had to focus on the character, and his interaction with your fellow actors, in accordance with the director’s vision, which is unlike being in the directors chair, where everything from the sets, to the lights, to the camera is your responsibility, and also being a team player and leader is a huge undertaking. But as an actor the focus levels are minimized to your existence in accordance to your surroundings and its depiction on screen… and with a band that rocks!

Like Farhan and Abhishek you have also directed as well as acted. Which do you prefer? Also, how did those previous experiences prepare you for Rock On!!?

Well… it’s two sides of the same coin, really. Both are as invigorating and stimulating. It depends on your frame of mind. Being on both sides of the camera helps you understand the film making process so much better, when as an actor you know what the directors trying to get out of you so that it justifies his vision, which is then your vision as well, and vice versa for you as a director. So it’s a great symbiotic existence that brings out the best in you as a creative artist.

Besides being a VJ, hosting your own show and being the director of programming at Channel V, you also write about music. What do you think of music today?

Well, music today has taken on a life of its own. It’s anybody’s playground across the board and there are no rules, no defined paths, no genre trends to follow, no long lasting artists to look forward to and so on. All one can do is hope for good songs to be written consistently.

What do you think of Rock On!!‘s music?

India’s first classic rock album!!! Finally!! Each song is a gem!!

What are some of your favorite bands?

Many many many… but my big seven are The Beatles, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Pink Floyd, The Eagles and Jethro Tull.

You said in a recent interview that you don’t want to do “Angrezi roles.” Are you afraid of being typecast? What are some of your future projects, whether they are acting or directorial ventures?

Isn’t every actor afraid of typecasting? It’s been such a prevalent trend in Indian cinema… now’s the time to experiment, so why should I let my looks hold me back. It didn’t hold back Abhishek Kapoor when he casted me for Rock On!!.

Well, I’m hoping to do a lot more acting, hopefully. And simultaneously develop stories that I would like to see onscreen as a director…so shoulder to the wheel!!

Lastly, what message would you like to give to all your fans on BollySpice and around the world?

It’s never too late to live your dream! Rock On!!

Luke, thank you so much for taking the time and giving us such interesting answers. They were truly a delight to read. Your performance in Rock On!! is outstanding, and we are all very happy with the film’s success and hope that it continues to rock the box office. BollySpice wishes you the best of luck in all your future projects!

Be sure to watch Rock On!!, still playing in all major theatres worldwide. In the meantime, check out our interviews with Abhishek Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar and stay tuned as BollySpice brings you many more.

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In an exclusive interview with BollySpice, this young talent talks about his experience of acting and singing, along with what’s in store for his future films.

Farhan, we’re all wondering… what was your reaction when you were asked to not only play a rock star in Rock On!! but to also sing for the album?

I was excited yet apprehensive. It is one thing to play guitar at home and sing along with friends and something else to do it professionally in a studio. But it being a requirement for the script and the director… I decided to give it my best shot.

What was your first shot and were you nervous? How did it go? Also, what motivation did you use to get into your character?

The first scene we shot was the opening scene of the movie… the band members in their rehearsal pad. By then we had hung out enough and rehearsed and read enough to feel quite comfortable about being together… so it went by without much fuss. I was a bit nervous, yes, but that nervousness was there every day of the shoot and I am glad since it helps you stay focused.

Having lent your vocals to the film, which track do you think you have sung the best?

The one I feel most glad to have managed to sing is ‘Tum ho Toh’ since it was the most difficult of the lot.

How does it feel to sing in front of the audiences at the concerts and how is it different from shooting the concert scenes for the movie?

Actually, both were equally fantastic! Reason being that I had in fact sung the songs. So it was a totally real experience each time we performed.

Did you have to stop yourself from taking control of the movie because you’re a director by nature or did you slip into the actor mode quite comfortably?

Abhishek was well in control of the situation at all times and I never felt the need to step on his toes. He was very clear about how he saw things and I respected that in him.

What do you find more challenging: acting, singing or directing? Which is the most satisfying of the three and what do you feel most comfortable doing?

I have had a great time doing and learning from all three aspects of film making. The challenges they pose are different but the satisfaction of seeing it all come together organically in the film is what it is all about.

You have directed Arjun Rampal before but how was it different sharing screen space with him?

He is a selfless co-actor. He gives a lot and in turn you feel like giving him the same response. His performance in this movie is probably the best of his career thus far.

All of your films have been supported by the compositions of Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy including Rock On!! What sort of relationship do you share with them?

We are friends first. Professionals second. The only time I feel completely relaxed when making a film is when I am in the studio with them, surrounded by their creativity and their sense of humour.

In your first film, your role is very unconventional by Bollywood standards. Can you ever see yourself doing the classic naach-gaana?

Depends on the context of it in the film.

What do you think of Bollywood films today? Do you think Indian audiences will accept a film like Rock On!!?

They already are accepting good stories and that is what Rock On!! is at the end of the day… an emotionally powerful story. I have no doubt that it will connect with people of all kinds.

Which projects of yours are we going to be seeing on screen in the next few years, whether it’s an acting or directorial venture?

Luck By Chance, directed by Zoya Akhtar (Farhan’s sister) would be my next release as an actor. Voice from the Sky and Don 2 will be my next directorial films. As a producer there is Reema Kagti’s next and Abhinay Deo (prolific ad film maker) will be joining us at Excel. These are a few of the projects lined up over the next year.

Something many people are dying to know is when you will start Don 2, and can we expect something as shocking as the first?

That’s the great thing about a character like Don… expect the unexpected!

And finally, the movie hasn’t yet released and girls are already going crazy over you. How do you respond to all this admiration?

Thank you for all the love. It gives me the courage to carry on doing what I believe in. Rock On!!

Thank you so much, Farhan! We appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to give us such wonderful answers. BollySpice wishes you the best for Rock On!! and all your future projects. We have always loved your work and hope that you continue bringing such unique cinema to the film industry as a director, actor and singer.

Rock On!! will be releasing this Friday, August 29th. Alongside Farhan Akhtar, we will be seeing Arjun Rampal, Luke Kenny, Purab Kohli, and Shahana Goswami. The film also introduces Prachi Desai to the film industry.

Be sure to check back soon as BollySpice brings you more interviews from other rock stars from this film!

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In this exclusive interview with BollySpice, Abhishek Kapoor speaks about his journey from Aryan to his experience of writing and directing Rock On!!

What inspired you to write Rock On!!? Are you actually a die-hard rock music fan, or is it simply the theme of the film?

I had just finished my earlier film Aryan and was wondering what to make next. I had this idea of making a film about 4 friends who had a band. I wanted to make it nostalgic and about going down memory lane. During that phase I got myself an iPod and was listening to some fabulous rock tracks. That’s when I got totally hooked on making this film.

Tell us a little about shooting the concert scenes. That must have been a massive undertaking.

As the film was about the band and their performances, shooting the concerts became the most crucial part. All the actors were prepared to go on stage and play the entire song without any cuts. We shot it on 5 camera set up. It wasn’t shot like a regular Hindi film song where you cut after each line. They ran through the whole song with full energy and was then put together on the edit table.

We love that the band has gone on tour. Whose idea was this originally and how has the response been so far?

I think it was a natural extension for our promotion plans. As we had a film about a band and Farhan had sung his own songs, we felt it was only natural to tour cities and perform for the crowds, especially students who would be our targeted audience. So far we have done Pune, which was the first stop. It was quite elating as we didn’t know what to expect but the crowds reactions just blew us away.

Your previous movie Aryan was with Sohail Khan, also a director. Now you’re working with Farhan Akhtar. Was this been planned or a coincidence, especially since this is Farhan’s debut as both an actor and a singer?

Yes, it is quite a coincidence. Why would anyone plan something like this. I have known Farhan far many years now and I knew he was just perfect for the part.

The rest of the Rock On!! cast comes from very different filmi backgrounds. How did you decide who would suit which role because essentially they all have to portray rock star characters?

I had worked out character sketches of all 4 of them in much detail. I knew what I wanted from the actors who were going to play those parts. When I started to audition them they just fell in place. I didn’t want a cast that would be competing with each other in fact I wanted them to compliment each other. Only that would help in bringing out the true essence of a band.

Since you are an actor as well, how do you feel that has helped you as a director? Also, how has that helped you in developing and writing your scripts since both Aryan and Rock On!! are movies of quite a unique genre and tackle very unique issues?

Having been an actor I understand how the actors feel on set and how important it is to have them in a comfortable space in their heads for them to give their best. I tried to make them comfortable and to play to their strengths and underplay their weaknesses.

Actually both my films had unique backdrops (Aryan had boxing and Rock On!! has rock music) but they are both dramas dealing with emotions and highlighting conflicts people deal with within themselves. They are both about fighting your inner demons. These unique backdrops help in making the narrative fun and different to watch.

Though Aryan was appreciated, it didn’t work at the box office. When your film doesn’t perform as well as you would have liked, how does it make you feel?

Yes Aryan didn’t do well at the box office. But I had known that would happen before it was released and had made peace with that. It had been delayed incessantly and the promos had been playing on T.V. for a year before the movie came out. That in itself was suicidal for the film. But I had to really struggle to have it released in theaters. When anyone says they liked the film it makes me really happy. It was my first baby and will always be special to me.

What do you think of Bollywood films today? Do you think the industry and the films are getting better?

There are very few film makers left today that are churning out your typical “Bollywood” film. Other than the few handful I believe everyone one out there, especially the young film makers, is pushing the envelope and hoping to touch the realms of the international film scenario. It’s a very healthy trend.

Do you think Indian audiences will accept a film like Rock On!!?

I do not see any reason why they wont. It’s a good film dealing with emotions anyone can relate to and is a well told story with an interesting back drop. I’m sure it will do well.

Who would you like to work with in the future, whether you’re acting or directing?

I would like to work with people who are not afraid in doing things that are progressive and thinking out of the box. It’s the only way forward, it’s the only way to the future.

What is your favorite genre? Comedy, drama, action or romance?

As an audience I enjoy all genres as long as the narrative is good. As a director I feel my forte is Drama but I would surely like to try something different in the future, maybe a comedy.

Finally, what other projects are coming up? Will we be seeing you on screen any time soon or are you continuing with direction?

At the moment I am totally immersed in the post production work of Rock On!!. I have a few ideas that I am looking to develop but I will be able to put my mind to it only once it releases.

Abhishek, what final message would you like to give to the fans?

I believe you live just once and you must do it with full gusto and apply yourself to what ever you believe in and have no regrets. Go out there and express yourself. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by ones you did do.” – Mark Twain

Thank you so much, Abhishek! We appreciate you taking the time to give us such insightful answers. BollySpice wishes you the best for Rock On!! and all your future endeavors. May you continue to make such unique films and allow Bollywood more opportunities to think outside the box as it progresses towards a brighter future.

Rock On!! will be releasing on the 29th of August. It stars Arjun Rampal, Luke Kenny, Purab Kohli, Shahana Goswami and introduces Prachi Desai to the film industry. Farhan Akhtar will also be seen on screen for the first time as an actor and singer.

Meanwhile, stay tuned as we bring you yet another rocking interview.

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