Actor Ruslaan Mumtaz is excited about the launch of his latest project, an interracial romance titled Namaste Wahala. The film, which stars Nigerian actor Ini Dima-Okojie in the title role, will premiere on Netflix on February 14.
Ruslaan plays Raj, an Indian investment banker, in this completely Bollywood-style international film. She falls in love at first sight with the Nigerian lawyer Didi (Ini Dima-Okojie) and the couple has to overcome cultural barriers before they can live happily ever after. Added to their concerns are their parents, who only make love more difficult for them.
In an exclusive chat with indianexpress.com, Ruslaan Mumtaz talks about bagging this crossover movie, his experience working with an African team, and why Namaste Wahala will be the perfect Valentine’s Day watch.
Excerpts from the conversation …
How did Namaste Wahala happen?
Director Hamisha Ahuja was looking for an Indian actor and she really liked my face because she thought I looked exactly like a Bollywood hero. The movie was made with an African cast and was supposed to be released in Africa only. I remember that the stylist of the film told me that it is a great project but that it will not help me in my career, since it will not be released in India. I took it with that mindset and said yes just from the experience. When would I have had a chance to fall in love with an African girl or even to make a crossover movie like this? And look, now, a year later, it’s a Netflix original and the whole world can see the movie.
From the trailer, it looks like a typical Bollywood movie. Your name is Raj, there is a love conflict and even some sequences of songs and dances.
Technically, Namaste Wahala is a Bollywood soul movie. From what I have come to know, people in Nigeria love Bollywood and for them Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan are like God. Hamisha wanted to make a similar movie for the audience there. I wanted to make a concept film with all the drama, so that they would have a Bollywood flavor in their own films. Furthermore, the culture of both countries is very similar. From parents who disapprove of inter-caste marriage to modern girls who are on trial, it comes down to the same thing.
Tell us about your experience shooting the movie.
The best part was that everyone had worked very hard on the script and there wasn’t much to add. Honestly, it is a very simple and real movie. The dialogues are also like real life conversations. The pre-production went very well as they followed many parameters before moving on to flooring. Also on set, everything was so simple. The team knew what they were doing, the shots were planned in advance, so it was a very relaxed and easy time for me. The actors are so passionate and dedicated that their hard work amazed me. Somewhere I thought that no one who knew me would see the movie, so I relaxed. And now I’m worried since everyone will be able to see my performance (laughs). Hope you all like it.
The trailer has your character saying, “If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.” He even proposes marriage on the first meeting. Do you also believe in this theory of love?
Not just love, I feel like it’s the theory of life. Destiny is what leads us to everything. I really believe that if something has to get to you, it will and if it doesn’t, try as you might, it won’t work. Look at this movie, it came out of nowhere, it wasn’t even supposed to be released in India and now it’s on the biggest platform for the world to see.
Also, did you have to ‘enchant your way’ in the heart of your wife Nirali Mehta’s parents too, just like your character on screen?
I absolutely did. And also, answering your previous question in terms of my life, Nirali and I met when we were kids at Shaimak Davar’s dance studio. I liked him, but I never imagined that we would end up together. It was Shaimak, who had told me that one day you would marry her, and I had laughed at her absurd comment. We are very different people and we come from different cultures and religions. So his parents also had their doubts and had even said no when he first told them about me. A year later, I met them, I told them how much I loved her. I also assured them that my career or religion will never get in the way of their happiness. They understood that and that meeting changed everything for us.
Why do you think Namaste Wahala should be the perfect watch for Valentine’s Day?
First of all, it is a very romantic movie, perfect for Valentine’s Day. I won’t say that it’s a very different story, but yes, this couple is quite unique and so are their customs. I’m sure everyone will enjoy watching it.
What did you get out of the movie?
That ‘if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be’. Fate is above all. Also, I must add a word of credit to the principal who made this happen. Harmisha has said that it will be a great project from day one. You have really inspired me with your dedication and faith. She also has a young son, and yet she managed to make a movie beautifully. I think women today are amazing. If they take something, they see through it what can happen.
You started with movies, then you did television and now you are also on the web. What medium will you focus on in the next few days?
Some time ago I realized that there is no format or formula for success. You just need to keep working without worrying about what would click or get big. So I don’t care about the manufacturers, the medium or the country that would launch. All I want to do is some good parts. And I love acting, so I prefer to spend my time on set rather than waiting at home thinking about what I might have done.
You recently became a father, so the confinement was a blessing to you since you were able to spend so much time with your son?
Yes, it was beautiful watching him grow. It was worrying when he was born during the confinement. We didn’t know if it was a boy or a girl, so she hadn’t bought any clothes. And then the whole country was locked up when he was born. My poor baby was in diapers most of the time. Then some good souls contacted us on Facebook and offered us clothes and toys for their children, which we humbly accepted. It was a surreal time.
What’s next for you?
I have done a web show for the Digiflex platform called The Perfect Script. It also stars Rajneish Duggal and Rahul Dev.
Also starring Richard Mofe-Damijo and Sujata Sehgal in key roles, Namaste Wahala will begin airing on February 14.
.
Eric is a professional news editor, writer, and blogger for the last 10 years. He is working with NewsGater as an off-beat news editor cum writer.