Sushant to play 'contemporary' Samba in new 'Sholay'

Actor Sushant Singh, who plays villain Gabbar Singh's right-hand man in Ram Gopal Varma's "Sholay", says he wants the new Samba to reflect "a contemporary sensibility".

"It was a pleasant surprise when Ramu called me. I didn't think twice before accepting the offer. It's not often that one gets a chance to revisit an all-time classic like 'Sholay'. Also, I've never had the privilege to work with Mr. (Amitabh) Bachchan. I get to be with him in almost every frame," said an excited Sushant.

The talented actor has worked on his complete look for the film. "Obviously my Samba will be very different from the way it was played in the earlier 'Sholay'. Ramu (Varma) has opened up the character. Not much is known about the character in the original. I'm very interested in exploring the relationship between Gabbar and Samba."

Sushant wants to go for a complete change of wardrobe and attitude. "So far I've never had the chance to play a really trendy character. I wanted Samba to dress and speak in a way that reflects a contemporary sensibility."

He seemed hardly bothered about the baddie's role being offered to Manoj Bajpai first.

"It means little to me whom the role was offered to first or second ... as long as I finally got it. For me it's a double whammy that I get to work with Ramu again and share screen space with Mr. Bachchan."

Mani Shankar's "Mukhbiir", featuring Sammir Dattani in the lead, is an unusual espionage thriller and Sushant is gung-ho about his part in it, too.

"I play a very dark shade of grey. From Ramu's 'Sholay' to 'Mukhbiir'... it is a complete performing spectrum for me," he said.