Exclusive - Neil Nitin Mukesh: I’ve done films without charging any money, don't like to overload the producer

Neil Nitin Mukesh

WaNeil also delved into his approach to finances, investment strategies, and the lessons he’s learned from his father. From filmmaking to fatherhood, this conversation offers a candid look into both his professional and personal life.

When Neil was offered the role in the film Hisaab Barabar, he describes it as an attraction that was almost magnetic. He compared it to how a fly is drawn to sugar or honey. "The story was the main attraction for me," he said.

The character of Micky Mehta, a scamster, was something completely new for him, and he felt this was an opportunity he didn’t want to miss. Neil mentioned that if Micky Mehta wasn’t a part of the film, the story wouldn’t exist. For him, taking on this character was an exciting challenge.

The character of Micky Mehta is someone who does wrong but doesn’t believe that what he’s doing is wrong. It’s portrayed in a comic way, making the character both humorous and serious at the same time. Neil admits that playing such a layered role, where the character’s flaws and strengths are both showcased, was challenging but also a great opportunity for him to explore something different. He had never played a scamster before, and the complexity of the character made it all the more interesting for him.

Neil explains that the most difficult part of playing Micky Mehta was balancing the layers of the character while still maintaining the entertainment aspect of the role. "It was tough to portray so many layers, yet still make it entertaining for the audience," he said. The task was to ensure the character remained engaging without losing the depth and authenticity of his actions. The challenge was to portray Micky's comic side, while also capturing his true belief in his actions, no matter how wrong they might be.

When asked about finances and money management, Neil was quite open. He shared that his father has always handled the family’s finances and that Niel has learned a lot from him. "Your father is like the king of the house as long as he's with you," Neil said. He added that during the early years of his career, he never really asked his father much about money. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, his father realized it was important to educate his sons about finances, so they could handle things better in the future.

Although Neil admits he knows how to earn and save money, when it comes to the finer aspects of money management like investment and allocation, he still relies on professionals. "I am dependent on my accountants and financial team for those things," he confessed. Despite this, he enjoys investing, particularly for his daughter’s future, considering the rising cost of education. "I think about her education and future, and even her wedding," he said. He believes that as a father, these are the kinds of responsibilities he must take seriously.

Neil shared that he is very careful about his financial decisions now, especially since becoming a father. "I live like a middle-class man and think about the future," he explained. He also mentioned that he makes sure to invest in ways that secure his daughter's future, acknowledging that higher education is becoming increasingly expensive. The responsibility of being a father has shifted his financial mindset, and he ensures that every penny counts for his child's future.

Neil believes in being a law-abiding citizen and follows all the rules when it comes to taxes and finances. "I make sure to pay my GST and taxes on time. I’m the kind of person who doesn’t wait for the next month’s bill to pay off my credit card. If I swipe my card today, I’ll pay it off that night," he said. He follows his financial obligations diligently, ensuring there are no delays or penalties. For Neil, this is just a part of being responsible with money and maintaining good financial habits.

Neil pointed out that sometimes we don’t notice small financial details. For example, interest on fixed deposits (FDs) might seem insignificant when we only look at the broad picture, but when you add up all the small amounts, it can be quite a lot.

"Most people don't pay attention to every small transaction or interest that accrues. But when you think about the millions of people who are unaware, it can have a massive impact," he said. He also mentioned how scams related to quick financial returns are common and said that it’s important to stay cautious and educated about money matters.

Neil expressed that he understands the difficulties producers face. He knows the hard work it takes to make a film because, as a producer himself, he has seen the challenges firsthand. He tries to be mindful when it comes to his fees, depending on the scale of the film. "If it's a big-budget film, I’ll charge accordingly. But if it’s a smaller film with fewer days of work, I’ll adjust my fee," he explained. He also mentioned that there have been instances where he worked on films without charging anything because he simply wanted to be a part of the project, even if the budget didn’t allow for his usual fee.

Neil shared that his approach to choosing films is not just based on the financial aspects, but also on the creative process. He enjoys the experience of filmmaking and believes that not everything in the industry is about money. "I’ve done films without charging anything because the process itself is so enriching. Sometimes it’s not just about the money, but about the opportunity to be part of a creative project," he said. This highlights his passion for film and how, at times, the value of the project goes beyond financial compensation.

As both an actor and a producer, Neil has a unique perspective on the industry. He understands the importance of balancing both the creative and business aspects of filmmaking. "When I produce films, I know how much depends on the team, the unit, and the budget. So, I try to avoid overloading the producer with unnecessary costs," he explained. He believes in being realistic about his role and his payment, understanding that filmmaking is a collaborative process where every part counts.