| 'I hated the first cut of Jaane Tu...' 27 Jun 2008, 0007 hrs IST, PRIYANKA DASGUPTA ,TNN |
Is it true that you have always been a fan of science fiction?
Yes, it is. As a child, I was into writing and making short films. One of the first few films I made was along the lines of Star Wars. I used a handycam to shoot a short film about a few friends and me exploring another planet. People at home were very supportive. Mansoor mamu would advise me on the technical aspects of film-making.
Were you in awe of your uncle, Aamir Khan?
He is 18 years elder to me. But I was never in awe of him. He was very good at separating professional and personal lives. Ours has been a very relaxed and easy relationship.
Was there anything that you could share only with Aamir and not with your mother?
No, not really. When I started smoking, my mom was the first person to know about it. Aamir mamu would always tease and rag me as a child. And there were times when I tried to hit back at him too. As for mamu and mom, it was more like an elder sister and younger brother relationship between them. There was no sibling rivalry.
What was your first reaction when you had watched Aamir's directorial debut?
I didn't like it when I watched the first cut of the film. I had told him that I had found it boring. I was told that the first cut of a film is never good. It's bound to have rough edges since the scenes are not edited
properly.
Did you react similarly when you saw your debut film?
Oh! yes. I hated it. I thought I was a terrible actor and Abbas (Tyrewala) was a terrible director too. Aamir and Mansoor mamu sat with us and asked us to relax. Finally, it boiled down to accepting their views since they had experience on their side.
It's a fad to bash critics on blogs now. How are you bracing yourself up against critics and their reviews?
Critics are very useful. Compliments are of no use to help my growth as an actor. Positive criticism that highlights my flaws will do that job.
Since you are a sci-fi fan, does Harman's film hold interest for you?
I've always liked science fiction and superhero films. I want to watch Harman's film. I find no point in pitting myself against Harman. This isn't a race. Taare Zameen Par released with Welcome and both were hits.
Although Smita Pail-Raj Babbar's son, Prateik, makes his debut in your film, he is hardly being promoted. How do you rate his future in Bollywood?
At the character design level in the film, Prateik has a guest appearance. That's why only the six of us are on the posters. Prateik is a stunning actor and his role has a profound effect in the film.
Can you imagine a debut without a brand like Aamir Khan not promoting you?
Aamir's name and production house has a goodwill with the audience. People know that when Aamir is attached to a film, it must be good. At the creative level, I have faith in Abbas' vision. That's important for a debut.
How important is the idea of working in a film directed by Aamir?
Aamir is a fine director. But I wouldn't blindly want to work in a film because of the director's name. I must like the script.
Is your girlfriend, Avantika, okay with female adulation that might come along with the success of your film?
Yes. She's perfectly cool with that.
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