Hitlist spoke to the actor and learnt that he is quite miffed with a popular ad agency that signed him to do a commercial with their client ICICI Bank and then sacked him saying that their client had issues with his villainous roles.
The actor says, "A certain Mukesh Chhabra from the casting department of a popular ad agency contacted me for an ad film for ICICI.
After hearing the brief of the ad, I agreed to do it and quoted my price, which they found a bit high. Anurag Kashyap called me and on his reference I reduced my price.
They took my dates.
"Then a certain Sanjith from the agency called saying how my reel image is negative in the last two films Bheja Fry 2 and Bhendi Bazaar and that their client is doubtful about signing me. They also wanted to know what kind of projects I am doing in future."
"I reminded him if that was the case why did they approached me in the first place. I also did negative roles in Sarkar and Gulal! He had no answer. They called back again saying that their client has refused to work with me!" Kay Kay further adds.
Reel and real
He says that he cannot think of an ad film and do his feature films. "It's my job as an actor to do various kinds of roles. My personal image is clean and that is what the bank should be bothered about. As an actor you can't tell me what roles should I chose or not, " the actor says with a hint of irritation in his voice.
Kay Kay is not bothered about having lost an ad film. He says "I actually care a damn for any ad. The main thing that I am miffed about is the fact that if educated people will start mixing up reel life with real life like this, then I see no scope for good cinema ever."
Agency's fault
While the ad agency refused to comment, a source from the bank said, "Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan were the bank's brand ambassadors once and they have done negative roles, too. So has got nothing to do with the onscreen or off screen image. They respect every actor."
The bank's spokesperson said, "We have nothing to do with this. We have not even signed him. The issue is between him and the agency. It was entirely the ad agency's call."