The fruits of Australian wrestler-turned-actor, Nathan Jones’ labour are clear for all to see on the screen. But what many don’t know is that the big man, who will soon be making his Bollywood debut with Remo D’Souza’s A Flying Jatt, was introduced to power-lifting while he was serving a jail term for robberies he committed during the 80s. In a conversation, the on-screen baddie tells us about his journey from wrestling to acting and the process of letting go of his inhibitions and facing the camera. He also reveals who inspired him to take up acting in the first place and a lot more in a tell-all interview.
How did the transformation from wrestling to acting happen I’ve always liked performing. And honestly, there’s a very dark side to wrestling too. I am not saying that I don’t like wrestling but it’s just that I got an offer and I took it up. When I was crowned the world’s strongest man, I happened to meet Jackie Chan. He was the one to tell me that I should get into films. He is a nice guy. Later, I left wrestling and flew to America. Eventually, I started my film career with Police Story 4: First Strike.
What made you move to Bollywood I feel that Bollywood is a very free place. I also feel that people will get to see a lot more of me in films like A Flying Jatt compared to the films I do in the West. My role in Mad Max was appreciated but I assure you that you will see a lot more of me in A Flying Jatt.
How did you bag this film I was in Thailand and the stunt director of the film contacted me. The makers wanted me to do this role alongside Tiger Shroff. I don’t know much about Bollywood, but I must say that people out here are very professional. They have welcomed me so well. They are so friendly and pleasant.
Tell us something about Tiger... Despite being a star kid, Tiger Shroff never made me feel like he is the son of a popular film star. He is such a nice person. The moment the camera is on he becomes so disciplined. Honestly, though, I was so jealous of his six-packs. I used to tell him that. (Laughs) He is so pretty and friendly.
How familiar are you with Bollywood films and actors I don’t know much about Bollywood. But whenever I’ve seen them, I’ve always felt like they are a lot of fun to watch. I am also fond of seeing Bollywood actors dance on screen.
Do you know about Khans I have only seen a few films of Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, that too in bits and pieces. So I don’t remember much. How different is bollywood from Hollywood in the way it functions That’s a tough one. But I must say that Bollywood seems to be more responsible. My reason for saying this is that from what I’ve seen, I feel that the filmmakers here are selling “culture” to the audience.
How do you expect this film to fare Personally, I loved the movie. I want people to watch it and decide. I am sure that everyone, especially kids, will love it. It has all those ingredients which a typical Bollywood potboiler requires.
Did you get to romance your co-star Jacqueline Fernandez (Laughs) Not really. I remember that she got quite scared when she first saw me on the sets because I am very tall. She looked tiny in front of me and I used to say to her, ‘come here pretty!’ I must say Bollywood has pretty actresses and they are very talented too.
Some of them, like Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, are making a foray into Hollywood. have you heard of them Not exactly, but I am happy that Bollywood actresses are getting roles in the West. I do have a vague idea about xXx: Return of Xander Cage and Baywatch, but nothing specific.
You’ve done more than 10 films in the west, which one is your favourite Actually, my favourite is A Flying Jatt. I am not saying just for the sake of it, but the truth is that my director gave me a lot of liberty to let loose and express myself.
Is this your first time in India No, I came to India last year to shoot for a Tamil film, Bhooloham opposite Jayam Ravi and Trisha. I was here for three months. The film had a different script and I had an amazing time shooting for it.
Would you ever like to romance on screen I can’t see myself romancing a girl on screen. I would need to romance a girl of my size then. (Laughs)
