Thanks to Rahul Khanna (who connected us) I got a chance to get a little one-on-one Q&A with the lead of Breakaway aka Speedy Singhs. Isn’t he cute? Oh and Vinay says please remember to watch the (original) English version of this flick! xoxo
MM: Congratulations! Your film Speedy Singhs/Breakaway is out in India and releasing shortly in Canada, tell me about the film!
VV: The film is a cross cultural family comedy. It’s about the immigrant experience and the coming of age of my character Rajveer Singh who is struggling to find that balance in his life. The balance between being Indian/Canadian and balance between following his own dreams and living up to his father’s expectations. It’s an overall feel good film, with love, sports, comedy, made straight from the heart.
MM: Just curious, why an ice hockey Bollywood movie?
VV: Well, ice hockey is a backdrop in the film. It’s a vehicle to present some of the larger issues. But in Canada, ice hockey is very popular with the South Asian community. I guess hockey’s in our blood. Whether it’s on the grass or ice.
MM: Where did you shoot? What was your experience like?
VV: We shot the film all over Toronto. We shot the entire film in one schedule so it was long days. But we had such a cool cast and crew from all around the world that it really didn’t feel like we were working.
MM: All the girls are gushing about how cute you look in it, how do you feel about that?
VV: Wow, I really don’t know what to say. Never been called cute before so all this is new to me. Thank you ladies!
MM: You said in an interview Russell doesn’t stick to the script, do you remember a funny instance on set?
VV: Yes, Russell’s background and his amazing comedic timing is something we all know and love so he always says ok I’ll say something like that. Which for me as a new actor I’m totally freaking out. But from him I learned the importance of not getting hung up on lines. Just say what comes to heart and it’ll be so much more real and spontaneous. The bedroom scene is actually us just going back and forth unscripted and people are loving it.
MM: What’s the story with the two titles? You also mentioned we should watch the English version?
VV: Breakaway is the Canadian title. Which is very hockey driven. Our producers didn’t feel that it would be relateable for the international audiences so the title in India and UK is Speedy Singhs which is also a great title and sums up the vibe of this movie.
MM: What’s your all time fave Bollywood movie?
VV: Andaaz Apna Apna! Crime master Go-Go!
MM: *Lol* Mine too! One Bollywood actress you think is super hot?
VV: Sonakshi Sinha.
MM: Ok the girls wanna know, are you single?
VV: Yea… And with all this work haven’t been out on a nice simple date in the longest time… Hook me up Miss M!
MM: Done deal! Oh and speaking of cuties, Rahul Khanna mentioned you’re buddies, how do you know him? Plan to work together sometime?
VV: I met Rahul when he was shooting in Toronto for Bollywood Hollywood. I think Rahul is one of the wittiest people I’ve met. I’d love to work with him one day and do a crazy comedy.
MM: Your all time favorite movie dialogue?
VV: Bhaiya ji Smile! From Dabangg! I love that me and all my buddies yell it out when we take a pic.
MM: Are you a TV junkie? Reality or otherwise? What do you think of all these big stars doing TV like Akshay Kumar is on Masterchef India!
MM: Yea I’m a huge couch potato. And I can’t fall asleep until I watch Conan O’Brien doing all kinds of silly stuff. As far as stars doing TV, I think it’s cool, and their fans just get to see more of them and different sides to them from what they are off screen. I think its a good way to connect.
MM: We wrote about the music in your film ages ago, tell me about that collaboration, how did it happen?VV: Amazing producers! When the soundtrack was being planned our producers along with Akshay approached Ludacris as they felt his energy and style would suit this film and its anthem. Luckily, Ludacris loved the idea and track and gave us one of his best verses. Ludacris totally loved the idea and spirit of this film and his lyrics reflect that.
MM: What’s next for you? Mainstream Bollywood perhaps?
VV: I’d love to. I think its a cool time to be a south Asian actor. There’s a world of opportunity out there. Just have to work hard and be open minded.
MM: Three things people should know about you?
VV: I love junk food especially McDonalds, I’m a huge germaphobe I carry hand sanitizer everywhere, and I’m a hopeless romantic.
MM: You’re on Twitter! What’s the best Tweet you’ve read so far?
VV: I’m sure it’s been one of Rahul Khanna’s. He’s gifted when it comes to sarcasm.
MM: And now a few twitter-fan Qs…
VV: It was amazing. I actually was so nervous the day I filmed with Akshay. But he’s so cool and his energy just makes everyone have fun. I was in awe of Ludacris because I’m such a big fan. We spent alot of time talking about his music. For me a kid from Toronto to step onto set with two legends, it was like this crazy dream. But it was one big party on set.
VV: This is what I feel is my calling in life. It’s something that I want to keep working hard at and it truly makes me happy everyday. Yes, my father’s been a support but at the end of the day it’s all about the work I put into my characters and stories because that’s all the audience connects with.
VV: Russell’s comments and opinions are his own. They do not reflect those of the film or myself.