Ive been in many physical relationships: Arjun Kapoor

"I've been in many physical relationships"

Hey, your friend is busy right now. Can I take a message?" asks Arjun Kapoor playfully, as he answers a call on my phone. "Or even better, why don't you talk to me," he goes on, teasing my friend. As she tries to gather her wits, the actor finally reveals his true identity. Needless to say, she's over the moon. After hanging up, he sheepishly smiles, "I hope you didn't mind. I just thought that'd be fun." In fact, I thought it was rather cool. After all, it is not every day you meet a jaunty actor who leaves you amused rather than awed. Arjun's a charmer without being aware of it. Add to it, his frankspeak and the effect is lethal. Currently, the actor's on a career high. Both Gunday and 2 States have had a roaring run. With the latter he has even managed to break his rugged hero image. And he has two promising films, Finding Fanny and Tevar coming up. Taking a break from his busy schedule, he talks about love, life and flings...

You must be ecstatic with the great response that 2 States has won...
Yes, naturally. I'm glad people have liked the film and understood the nuances of my character. It's a good feeling to know that both 2 States and Gunday worked. Aurangzeb hadn't. I was in oblivion for a year and no one cared. So staying grounded is of utmost importance to me. Many have reached my position and ruined their careers thanks to their arrogance and attitude. I sure as hell don't want to be one of them. Plus, I've grown up in this profession. I've learnt a lot by observing things. You can only survive here if you stand the test of time. Yes, hits and flops are important. But the right attitude is the most important.

So what keeps you grounded?
People in my family have seen far bigger highs and worse lows. I have a reality check at home. And then there's Aditya Chopra, who treats us like he treated us on day one. It's great to be surrounded by people who keep you level headed. Also, my father (Boney Kapoor) would kick my ass if I wasn't grounded.

How have you found the trade-off between stardom and losing anonymity?
Success demands sacrifices. Nothing in life comes easy. I believe it's a small price to pay for the adulation and love one receives. I'm not the kind who will crib, "Damn it, yaar, I can't go out and eat bhel puri." If you choose this profession you have to live with such things. Plus, I'd rather be known than be anonymous any day. I enjoy it. People who say otherwise are lying.

Your uncle Anil Kapoor has been your inspiration. Do you aspire to have a career graph like him?
Yes, I'm inspired by Anil Chachu. I do look up to him for his work ethic. But knowing me, it will be naive of me to emulate someone beyond a point. I'd rather be my own person, which is the toughest thing to do in this profession.

Do you fear losing success?
Oh, yes I do. And if that ever happened, I would work doubly hard to get it back in some way or the other.

It is addictive, isn't it?
Yes, it becomes your second nature. It's like wearing clothes. And if it's taken away, you feel naked.

With 2 States, you have also managed to break your bad boy image...
Just because I played macho characters in Ishaqzaade, Aurangzeb and Gunday, the media gave me the bad boy' label. My roles in 2 States and Finding Fanny are different. In fact, Homi Adajania wanted to cast me in Fanny after he saw Ishaqzaade. Also, I am consciously choosing different kind of roles. I've refused films that could've slotted me.

You've constantly denied link-up rumours with Alia Bhatt. Are you single?
Yes, very much so...

Why? You're eligible and charming.
Yaar, I barely have time to go and watch a film in the theatre these days, where will I find the time to date a girl? I have a lot to achieve.
I have to wholeheartedly focus on my career.

But don't you miss having that special someone?
Yeah, on some days I do. But on some days, I'm glad I am single because I'm not answerable to anyone. I know I'm being a bit selfish here but that's how it is.

What are the qualities your girl must possess?
It's silly to have a prototype because one inevitably falls for someone unexpected. My only criterion is - she can't just look nice, she must have a personality too. A relationship will be futile if it's based just on physicality. An interesting woman can be stimulating. Intellectual stimulation is a must for me.

Rate Arjun Kapoor, the boyfriend, on a scale of 1 to 10...
I haven't been in a relationship for eight years. So I can't say. But most men would score between six and seven. If a man is a good listener and good in bed, he'll hit a seven. If he's only good in bed, he'll strike a six. Eight or nine is for those one in a million men who don't exist.

You've not had a relationship for eight years?
Affairs, of course yes! But I've not been in a relationship. I've been having no-strings-attached affairs for the last eight years. Absolute convenience is what I would call it. I keep saying I am a late bloomer. So I am making the most of it. I never knew I could enjoy so much freedom. So if I don't make the most of it now, what's the point? Maybe, I'm still single because a part of me wants to have some more fun. Unlike most, I never did it between 17 and 24. So I need to make up for those years. But yes, I would be a committed boyfriend if I were in a relationship.
So how many purely physical relationships have you had?
(Laughs). Lots. Yeah, I've had many.

What's the deal breaker for you on a date?
Bad breath. Even if she is the most stunning girl in the world I wouldn't care.

And the deal breaker in a relationship...
My woman not understanding my profession. I don't expect her to be okay with everything I do but there are certain aspects she has to be okay with. Like my timings and my travelling. She can't be difficult about that stuff.

Where does fidelity stand? Would you take back a cheating partner?
If I am in love with her, it would be heartbreaking and gut wrenching and I wouldn't be able to take her back. If it's just superficial and physical then maybe it won't affect me so much. Then again, these are all hypothetical situations. You can never tell how you will react until you're in that situation. Love is a two-way street. So a lot depends on the relationship you share with the other person.

What is it that you have learnt about women so far?
I have learnt that women are superior beings. They have a better threshold of pain, are more understanding and accepting than men. Also, if you listen to them, you'll understand them better. You just need to pay attention to women when they talk, it helps.

Which actress are you currently crushing on?
My all-time crush is Kareena (Kapoor Khan). No one else. She knows it as well.

Your wildest fantasy...
Oh, I have enough fantasies. And I am not about to reveal them. They are for me to know and the girl I am with to find out.

What would you sell your soul for?
I'd sell my soul to get my mother (Mona Kapoor) back. The loss of a loved one leaves a vacuum in your life that can never be filled. Ever. You can go around living a normal life but the pain always hits you when you least expect it. And suddenly, you're left dealing with a fresh wound all over again.

Source: Filmfare