✏️ BY: Dzair Tube
Algiers, Algeria | August 27th, 2024 — In this interview, Sudanese actor Rik Aby, who resides in the UAE, discusses his experience as an actor in the Indian film ‘The Goat Life.’ The film has been trending, and sparking debate since its release a month ago on Netflix. In his statements shared with us, the actor who played the role of ‘Jasser’ praises the stunning Algerian desert landscapes that left the Indian film crew in awe..!
Questioned by: Abdelali Mezghiche
Translated by: Ammar Gouasmia
Q1- As a part of the film’s cast, how did you react to the overwhelming reception of your movie ‘The Goat Life,’ especially in Arab countries?”
A1- With gratitude as an Arab African I am the first person to participate on a project of this magnitude in a role this big. It means alot for my fellow Arabs to respond the way they did. I am forever thankful to Allah and them.
Q2- The movie was released on Netflix and was accompanied by mixed critical reviews. Some critiques praised it, while others criticized its content, particularly labeling it as offensive to Saudi Arabia. What is your response to this?
A2- The fact that we are getting noticed and that there is a conversation and traction is something that we’re grateful for. As storytellers all we have a right to do is to tell a story. In this case its a true story never was it our intention to offend anyone. The moment that happens we become something else.
Q3- Tell us about your visit to Algeria and the experience of filming in its desert. Would we see you in Algeria again if you were invited?
A3- Sadly I wasn’t part of the Algerian schedule although I wanted to be. I have alot of Algerian friends and collegues and I love Algerian culture and history. I felt especially bad when I heard from Gokul, Blessy and everyone else how Algeria had the most beautiful sand dunes ever. The dunes they told me were like waves of sand in all of their splendor and majestic beauty. I was told that the unit there was accomodating friendly and professional. I felt even more bad when my Algerian Film maker friend Mosbah Fezzai showed me videos of more locations which enticed me more to go to Algeria. I am proud that our film “The Goatlife” will shed light on Algeria as a go to well deserved location. I just hope that you’ll never forget us once you become in demand haha..!
Q4- You now have a fanbase in Algeria and other Arab countries. How do you explain this strong attachment and admiration for your acting, which happened right from the first scene of the movie? And are you happy with this new audience?
A4- I am speechless really. As I said before I am a storyteller a Hakawti. I go the extra mile when it comes to what I do especially when it comes to creating empathy for villians as well as all my characters. When it came to the milk scene. It was my first shoot day in 2019. I drank almost half litter of milk. Being lactose intolerant that didn’t sit well with me and I almost passed out. I stepped out of the tent vomited and felt I let everyone down and myself on the first day. I was given an injection then I got up and went back into the scene determined to regain my reputation and show the best of what I got. Luckily our benevolent Director Blessy and our Classy Star Prithviraj gave me a second chance. I am glad I was able to deliver.
Q5- Could the film ‘The Goat Life’ compete for major awards at international film festivals?
A5- Yes the fact that it is trending worlwide, and that he have story of high grade emotions created with Blessy our Director and our star Pritjviraj. Also don’t forget the dynamic duo behind the Academy Award Winning “Slum Dog Millionaire” our composer the Oscar Award and Multiple Award Winning Maestro of Madras himself AR Rahman as well as the Scion of Sound Design also Academy and Multiple Award Winner Resul Pekooty plus the film is based on worldwide winning novel in Benaymin’s “Goat Days”. And after God we have the support of the people’s hearts and minds so where can we go wrong?
Q6- Can a film really impact relations between nations? In this case, India and Saudi Arabia? And what if the film is banned in several Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia?
A6- If in this impact you mean can it entertain and capture audiences with its artistic and human capacity then yes we hope so. Otherwise as humans we all need each other and we benefit from each other and the stories we tell. I can not begin to tell you thrilled I am to be getting support and out pouring love from different parts of the world. It’s a symphony of admiration and empathy and we feel honored and humbled.
Also I read that it being rescreened in Bahrain with hopefully more screenings around the world.
Q7- Many in Algeria are curious about your filmography and artistic career. In brief, could you tell us about your journey in the industry? And will we see you in projects in Arab countries, specifically in Arab movies?
A7- Gladly I have been in the entertainment business as an Actor for 24 years. I have done two Hollywood Films “The Misfits” with Renny Harlin, starring Pierce Brosnan, Nick Canon, Academy Award Winner Tim Roth and Jamie Chung. I also did “Vision Central” which is going to be released very soon where I have a cameo role with Hollywood’s most in demand Comedian in Matt Rife and upcoming star Tohsin Malafora. I also did 2 more Indian films, “Saaho” with Prabhas and “Chor Nikal Ke Bagha” with Sunny Kaushal and Yumi Gautam directed Ajay Singh one of the highest rated Netflix films in India and around the world as number 1 and 2 respectivley. I currently hold the record as the only UAE based Sudanese Artist with 13 film titles under his belt. I have also done notable series such as “Banat Al Mulakama” in two seasons as well as “Kana Ams” with stars such as Kuwait’s own Dr. Khaled Amin as well as “Al Sununu” starring Yasetr Al Azmeh with a Pivotal Role for me as well. The recent, ” The Board” with Writer and Director Hozan Akko with Syrian heavyweights Bassem Yakoor, Saloom Hadad, Nadine Tahseen Beik and Souzan Eskaf. I have an Intetnational Pakistani movie coming out soon in Director Fahad Ibn Nur’s ” Inspector Jamshed” in Lead Support protaganist role. I also have one project coming up with Enorama Agency and Moonless Media Agency and one that is cooking right now that is a story about the Sudanese Diaspora in light of current events will update you as soon as I have more details. There’s alot to say but not enough time to summarize everything.
Q8- Thank you so much for taking some time to answer our questions. Happy to have such an interview..!
A8- I am over the moon and above the stars; you made me happy and grateful by this interview. Best regards to Algeria’s generous people!
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Questioned by: Abdelali Mezghiche
