'MONEY GIVES YOU THE FREEDOM TO EXPERIMENT'

Jaideep Ahlawat talks about going viral on social media, working with Saif Ali Khan on Jewel Thief, and what he would buy if he chances upon 500 crore

- KARTIK BHARDWAJ

JAIDEEP Ahlawat is casual about breaking the internet. Mostly known for portraying intense characters, he recently went viral for his unexpectedly suave dance moves in a song from his upcoming masalathriller Jewel Thief-The Heist Begins. Becoming a reel sensation, however, isn't something the actor-who himself isn't that active on social media was seeking.

"It felt nice, but I consider it part of work," he says. Ahlawat adds that he prefers to stay away from the social media bandwagon of likes, shares, and followers. "I remember after Raazi a person suggested that I buy more followers. I asked him if they can just be bought, what's the use?" In Jewel Thief, Ahlawat plays a cruel mafia boss who employs a charming thief (Saif Ali Khan) to steal a precious gem. It also features Kunal Kapoor-otherwise known for gentle roles-playing a tough cop.

On his toes

Nikita Dutta rounds off the cast as Jaideep's partner in the film, whose growing attraction to Saif adds a simmering tension to the mix. The film seems like a pure genre piece, filled with elaborate plans and double-crosses. Heist films can often feel improbable with "system hacks" happening at the press of a button. Ahlawat agrees.