I find a great friend in Taapsee Pannu, says Saqib Saleem

Mumbai: Saqib Saleem may have debut with 'Mere Dad Ki Maruti' but his 20 minutes role in 'Dhisoom' brought him into lime light. Now Saqib will be seen in comedy drama 'Dil Junglee’ with Taapsee Pannu which will be releasing soon.

“Yes, I have been here in this industry for a while now, it has been 7 years. My perception about good character and good acting has changed. If we may to note even Nawazuddin Siddique was seen in a small role in ’Sarfarosh'. Rajkummar Rao who is known to have given stellar performance in his films now also began doing small characters in films. My role in 'Dhishoom' was really impressive. And thereafter I have noted one thing that filmmakers believe in me more and are also offering me good roles. I am a nobody, I arrived here in Mumbai from Delhi. I have made a little space for me means a lot to me.  I do believe in destiny. There is no parameter of judging ones talent. Thus for me I need more time to prove myself.”

Adding more he says, "Now look I always prefer doing unconventional roles. Unlike the well known Khans’ and Khiladi Kumar who have proved themselves over a period of at least 25 years, they have been there and if they bash up a few guys on screen their fans will accept it. I would rather prefer going the unconventional way as being real onscreen will surely get me some more fans.”

About 'Dil Junnglee' he says, “It is a fun filled film. It is on the lines of 'Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na'. The film tells us about life’s journey in a very light manner.”

About no breaking ice while on the sets with Taapsee the very first day he says,"Look! There was no breaking of ice. I belong to Delhi and she too hails from Delhi. We were very much similar in our thought process. Both of us on the first day were like…arre bhai mien toh aisa hi hoon …I am like this and I am like this only. Taapsee has also come up the hard way. She is very grounded and hard working actor. Our similarities attracted each other. There was no ego hassle at all. Taapsee being Pannu loves to joke and behave whatever way she feels comfortable. We made a Loanda gang WhatsApp group. The best thing about us is we have not moved on. Usually when we complete a film we are out of touch. But with this gang we are still close to each other. We do call up each other at least twice or thrice in a day. We have made great friendship and hope to continue it ahead. I am happy that with this film I find a great friend in Taapsee …..We gelled well as we are so much alike…speak from our heart and speak whatever comes to our heart and minds instantly.”

When asked about working with director SS Rajamouli, actor says, "I am open to work in South films. However, if I would get to work with SS Rajamouli sir it will be a great beginning.

On earning money at this juncture of his career, he says, ”Yes, I have a dog and my staff to support. Therefore I need to look for more and more work. I am happy my filmy journey has turned successful now. It is indeed happy times for me as filmmakers are offering e varied roles. I am sure talent speaks above all. I have yet not decided to produce a film. But yes, right now since I have been an avid cricket player I am planning to open a sport academy. In this academy we will enrol only 30 to 40 students in order to be able to support every individual properly. We will not e opening a government school though. I have some partners who own sports equipment. They will sponsor for our students financially. I will also give away a little portion of my earning for this Cricket academy which will support the talented lot. Since cricket fraternity is in Delhi I will also engage the services of some well known coaches from there.”