Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar and his co-star Huma Qureshi were in Dubai to promote their latest film Jolly LLB 2 at Bollywood Parks Dubai on Saturday.
Set in Lucknow, the drama follows a small time lawyer Jolly (Kumar), who fights petty cases to make a quick buck, till he chances upon a case that pits him against a ruthless advocate Mathur (played by Annu Kapoor).
Kumar, who shot Baby and Airlift in the UAE, hailed Dubai as an ideal place to work and play. "Some of my best films like Hera Pheri were shot here. Dubai is like home and it is great to come back here," he said. "It is only two hours away from Mumbai, and anytime we are getting bored, we just hop on a plane and come here."
For his role, Kumar says he took inspiration from Birbal, an advisor in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 15th century. The red vermillion dot on Kumar donned in his head for the film was inspired by Birbal.
Kumar spoke briefly about his upcoming films this year, the next being Toilet – Ek Prem Katha, and Robot 2 with Southern superstar Rajinikanth.
He said he would be back to shoot for an undisclosed film in December.
His co-star Qureshi was all praises for Kumar, adding that his disciplined lifestyle resulted in film shoots ending on schedule. “I was amazed at how hardworking and disciplined and fun he makes it to work with him,” she said. “I always heard other actresses talk about it, till I actually experienced it myself, how amazing it is working with him.”
Following the press conference, Kumar and Qureshi interacted with the audience on a podium outside the park's Raj Mahal Theatre: participating in selfies, dancing to songs from Jolly LLB2, quizzing their fans and handing out hampers.
Kumar also sang Socha Na Tha from his acclaimed 2016 drama, Airlift.
Check out Arts and Life for more details on Jolly LLB 2.
ajhurani@thenational.ae
ajhurani@thenational.ae
