‘I won’t settle for the generic friend role’

Manpriya Singh

All the while that Sid Makkar didn’t know what to do; he pursued an economics in computer science from University of Texas. “That was on 60 per cent scholarship by the way,” he laughingly throws in the little trivia. But fortunately, the future as he wanted it, just dawned upon. “I realized that this was what I definitely didn’t want, packed my bags and found base in Mumbai.” Thereby, happily, saying goodbye to a cushy money-making life. “That is partly the reason even my choices haven’t been the popular ones,” and that’s how the 35-year-old film, television, and theatre actor has been a part of a few forgettable and not-so-forgettable lead roles that came in the way of films like, Turning 30, Dus Tola, Straight, and Luck by Chance. Never mind, if he didn’t get as lucky as can be. “I don’t feel discouraged at all. The only time I would be discouraged would be if I didn’t have any projects or work in hand,” he shares, and refuses to, “settle down for the generic friend role.”

TV show Sense8

While his role in foreign movies include, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (1 & 2), an independent Australian sport film, Save Your Legs!, and yet another independent American film, Offshore, and the up and coming TV show, Sense8, starring Anil Kapoor, Purab Kohli, and Tina Desai. “I just shot for the series, and though I auditioned, last year, for a very different role, they called me this year with a very different part.” He is tight-lipped about the project, only parting with, “This role is not a very straight forward one.”

The initial struggle

Theatre is what opened doors to real experiences and International projects for Makkar. Before that, “Though I landed my first role through a simple audition within first six months, I realised that it wasn’t enough.”

International projects underway

Speaking of which, his future projects that is, his kitty, is already three-bags full with two International projects lined up. “One is a 10 part International TV series; which will have a three to four month-long schedule and that is all I can say. Then there’s a Hindi film, with a big production house comprising an ensemble cast.”

Dream film, which somehow couldn’t happen

Ask him on the dream role and he has an anecdote to share. “Rang De Basanti is the most inspiring Indian film I have seen, and I was going for the auditions for Siddharth’s role, when I learnt he already got the part.” Life’s like that.

An outsider’s diaries

Amidst a sea of talent, in walk the young star kids with pre-decided launches, good breaks, and suddenly walking away with meaty roles. A non-Bollywood background must be a very unfair disadvantage. “If you look at things like that, then let alone the film industry, life itself is unfair. But, I don’t focus on what could have been or is not, I rather stay positive with all that’s in hand,” he signs off.

manpriya@tribunemail.com