I have been known to take brave decisions

TZP has clicked. You look satisfied and happy?
(Smiles) Yes, I am.


So, you pulled it off all by yourself?
(Sighs) Well, I was not happy with the rushes of what Amol Gupte had shot. I gave him the script, but he came back with it, saying that only Aamir Khan Productions can do justice to a script of this kind. There was a moment when I even thought of approaching Mansoor Khan, Ram Madhwani or Prasoon Pandey for the direction.


Now that TZP has done well, have you given up on your smoking?
First, I was smoking because of stress. Now, I am smoking out of joy!


That means you haven't cut down on your smoking?
(Laughs) No. But, I am aiming to do that in the New Year. It's my New Year resolution.


What is happening to the film that Kiran Rao wants to make? You rejected her script over a dozen times?
(Smiles) That's an exaggeration. I would like to produce it, but she herself does not want me to do it.


Why?
Kiran feels that Aamir Khan Productions brings a lot of baggage with it. She wants to do her film in the gorilla way - unknown actors, shooting on the streets etc. However, I must tell you that it is a lovely script.


So, Kiran is taking her film to an outside producer?
(Shrugs) Actually, she might produce it herself.


You became a social activist of sorts after Rang De Basanti and before Fanaa. With TZP you started bonding with dyslexic kids. How come you take on the role that you play in your films? Is it for publicity?
No, it's not a publicity drive. As individuals we have to perform certain duties. If I want to help someone, say the Maharashtra Dyslexic Association, what's wrong with that?


You drove straight to the Bachchan residence after returning from the premiere of TZP in Delhi. How was the meeting? Did you clear the air?
Mr Bachchan's mother has passed away and it is a big loss for him. Moreover, we had spoken on the phone a few days ago. When we talked, we realised that we both were on the same page.


Two days back you said in a TV interview that tabloids write junk, and here you are, speaking to a tabloid?
Don't tabloids write junk? Give me an honest answer.


Most entertainment stories are true...
You are being diplomatic.


Your future schedule?
My next film Jaane Tu will see me only as a producer. It is my nephew Imraan's debut film. I will start producing Delhi Belly in March next year. The remake of Ghajini will release in the second half of 2008.


Will you direct for outside producers?
I doubt it.


Why not?
If I am producing it, I have a lot more control on the whole project, I prefer it that way.


When will you be going bald for Ghajini remake?
I will do it next month. There is a part of the film which requires me to have some hair on my head. After that part is shot, I will go completely bald.


Most stars wouldn't do such a role…
(Smiles) I have been known to take brave decisions.


What after that?
After I finish shooting for the Ghajini remake, I will take a six-month break. I want to spend some quality time with my kids.