‘I would rather play a villain than the second lead’

Actor Freddy Daruwala is among those very few actors who don’t worry much about getting typecast in just one kind of role. He’s clearly not hesitant playing negative roles on screen repeatedly. Holiday (2014), Force 2 (2016), Commando 2 (2017), and upcoming films Race 3 and Telugu film Touch Chesi Chudu — the actor has convincingly played the lead antagonist in all these films.

“I don’t know whether to feel lucky or unfortunate that I keep getting the same roles in films. I feel the nature of films has changed, and so have the villains,” says Freddy.

The actor adds that there’s a very fine line between negative and positive roles. “And that’s why I’d rather choose to be a villain than play the second or third lead or a character role. [Also] I haven’t come across anything that I would love to jump into. If there is a good script, there’s no proper presentation. So, I feel it’s better to be safe than sorry,” he maintains.

Freddy points out that unlike in the past when “baddies were known only as villains”, things have changed now.

“Earlier, nobody knew Pran saab, Amrish Puri ji, Ranjit, or Prem Chopra sir in real life. All of them have been fantastic human beings, so soft spoken and respectable. But no fans knew about them because there was no social media. But now, I’m on these platforms and girls follow me. They want to see my style and lifestyle, and how I am a cool guy in general,” says Freddy, adding that “none of the villains is a real villain in real life.”

And that’s why I’d rather choose to be a villain than play the second or third lead or a character role. [Also] I haven’t come across anything that I would love to jump into. If there is a good script, there’s no proper presentation. So, I feel it’s better to be safe than sorry. FREDDY DARUWALA, ACTOR

Freddy Daruwala has played negative roles in Holiday (2014), Force 2 (2016), and Commando 2 (2017)