Interviews

MOKSHA was the first film you signed. But it will now be your third release.

I feel sad that MOKSHA isn't my debut film. But the release of PYAAR ISHQ AUR MOHABBAT has proved a blessing for MOKSHA, since P.I.A.M. was a biggie and obviously, all eyes were on it. Even though P.I.A.M. hasn't fared well, it has given MOKSHA the desired boost.

But the long period MOKSHA has taken in the making will be evident in the look of the film.

I disagree! Ashok Mehta is one of the finest technicians we have today. He conceived the story seventeen years ago and has made the film exactly the way he visualized it. Even though the film has taken quite some time to make, the overall look is consistent. He has made the film with his hard earned money and his hard work and commitment reflects in the film.

Let's talk about your latest venture DEEWAANAPAN.

DEEWAANAPAN is an interesting film with an emotional plot. It's all about relationships between people; between a father (Vinod Khanna) and daughter (Diya Mirza) and a father (Om Puri) and son (myself). It deals with the clash of egos.

What prompted you to accept the assignment with a new director, Ashu Trikha?

For me, the most important factor is the script. If I like the storyline and if I feel comfortable with the entire team, I go ahead with it. After the script level, I look for trust and honesty. I liked the conviction of Ashu and believe me, he has done a great job. Besides Ashu, I am also working with another new director, Vipul Shah, who's directing AANKHEN. When a biggie like Rajiv Rai can invest faith in my abilities, why can't I do that with other newcomers?

What's the latest on JADDHH?

The film should be completed by the end of this year. We did face problems in the initial stages, but everything has been sorted out now. Hopefully, we will be able to release the film early next year. Shantanu is a damn good maker and the film has shaped up exceedingly well.

There is talk that you are quoting Rs. 1.5 crore per film.

I wish that was true! I think some people want the I.T. department to look into my balance sheet minutely (laughs).

Have you signed any contract with Mukta Arts?

I haven't! As of now, I am doing only one film with Mukta Arts, which will be directed by Satish Kaushik. That stars Kareena as the leading lady.

How was the experience of working with seasoned performers like Amitabh Bachchan (AANKHEN) and Vinod Khanna (DEEWAANAPAN)?

I have always admired Mr. Bachchan and Mr. Khanna and I consider myself lucky to have got the opportunity of working with them so early in my career. They are legends. I have learnt a lot from them and despite being a newcomer, they went out of their way to make me feel comfortable on the sets.

Your last film, Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat  could not do well on the Box-office?
At this moment I would not like to give you the reasons behind it. I would not in any way to defend the film, I would say that people didn't like it. There can be lots of reasons behind it. But this project will always be close to me as it was my first release. We really worked very hard but it could not do well. Any way, I find myself lucky to be a part of Rajiv Rai's project, who is the master of entertainment. I learnt a lot during the making of the film.

But you were appreciated in the film?
(smiles) The credit goes to Rajiv Rai. He extracted the best from me. I am glad that people liked my work.

Despite the fact that Moksha  was your first film, it will be your third release?
Yeah I am aware of it. I feel very sad as we really worked very hard on this project but due to some reason, the film is yet to be released. I personally feel that in this world everything has been planned. But today I am very happy as Moksha  will be released on November 30 all over.

This long wait would have been very frustrating for you?
You are right. But I got to learn so much during this period. I studied a lot about the film and even watched lots of movies. At the end of the day, everything has been worked out very well and I am very happy about it.

Tell us something about your latest venture Deewaanapan ?
The basic plot of the film is very interesting and I liked it very much. This film is full of emotion and is all about human-relationships. It is all about the hero and heroine and their relation with their respective families.

How was it working with Vinod Khanna?
It was great. I knew him personally as his son is my friend. So everything was cool. But at the first day of shoot with him, I was little nervous but he went out of his way to make me feel comfortable.

Tell us something about your next project, Moksha ?
Moksha  is a passionate film. It is also a commercially viable film and is a Psychological thriller based around love story. At the end, I must tell you that the film is definitely something different.

You are also doing one film with Amitabh Bachchan?
I am doing Vipul Shah's Aankhen . Mr. Bachchan is like an institution and I learnt a lot during the making of the film. He never made me feel new in front of him.

Tell us something about Aankhen ?
It is a thriller and apart from me and Mr. Bachchan, the film also stars Akshay Kumar, Sushmita Sen and Paresh Rawal. I would not like to reveal much about the film at this moment.

Why is it that nowadays you are seen much on the ramp?
I believe in doing one thing at a time and give my best to it. Today I am into acting and I want to give my best to it.

What about endorsement?
I have been getting offers but I haven't decided yet. Let's see (smiles).

How do you rate the competition?
Competition is there in each and every field, why only film industry. Each and every artiste is best in his/her own. One should not feel insecure about anything, as there is lots of work here.

Lastly, what next?
I am waiting for my next two releases, Deewaanapaan  and Moksha .