Among the Bollywood royalty, Saif Ali Khan holds a special place. This is mainly thanks to the rare combination of his Nawabi lineage and his love interest, Kareena Kapoor ' the industry's reigning queen. Now, with talks of their marriage coinciding with the release of Aarakshan, his first film in two years, the actor can't escape the media glare. In conversation with Harneet Singh, the actor shows no reservations as he talks about his dreams, his ambitious home production, Agent Vinod, being a zombie expert and his Zen-like approach to work
Why the almost two-year gap between Kurbaan and Aarakshan?
I got busy with my production, Agent Vinod, as well as setting up my production house, Illuminati Films. In hindsight, it didn't pan out that bad. The gap gave me the time to reboot myself. Now, I'm enjoying training in the gym and also I'm clearer about the direction I want my career to take.
Prakash Jha and you occupy diverse worlds, how did Aarakshan happen?
It happened over a conversation where I pointed out that we will make for a very unexpected combination if we ever work together. The next day, he offered me the film. I took it up as a good opportunity to do a film based on India and about Indians.
And handling the moustache, did that come easy?
Well, let me first tell you that it's a genuine one. It took getting used to, but I tend to think that a moustache can look very sophisticated if you carry it well. It also has an advantage that you can suck the soup out of it hours after you've eaten (laughs).
Trade watchers are excited about your pairing with Deepika Padukone, specially after Love Aaj Kal.
It's a nice feeling to know that our pair has worked. Deepika is wonderful, talented and growing with each film. I don't want to sound like a 'guru' who is observing the growth of his pupil (laughs), but I'm happy that she's doing well for herself.
What's the status of the much-awaited Agent Vinod? Are you ever going to release it?
Yes, very much. We've fixed the date: December 9. We're shooting for it every day. There were a few stumbling blocks, but now we are on track and looking forward.
Is Agent Vinod your most ambitious cinematic dream till date?
I wouldn't like to say that primarily because if it doesn't work then I'll sound very foolish. The intention of making this movie is to set up a memorable character that, maybe, we can revisit for a sequel. But when I say this, I'm not thinking like a baniya with pure business in mind. I'd love it if we can create a character like Dirty Harry (portrayed by Clint Eastwood) or Ethan Hunt (portrayed by Tom Cruise). That said, this movie has had a deep emotional impact on me, it made me realise for the first time that a film is like your child. Earlier, I used to find this statement ridiculous.
What kind of a character is Agent Vinod?
Well, let me say he's Bond-meets-Bourne-meets-Tintin. He has the flamboyance and attitude of Bond minus the clichs, the style of Jason Bourne and, like Tintin, there are lots of adventures he gets into, like in a desert or Eastern Europe.
What about the zombie movie you're producing next?
That'll be something. All credit to directors Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK and young Kunal Khemu who brought the idea of Go Goa Gone to me. It's a very entertaining, funny and new script, and we are stupid enough to produce it, I guess (laughs). As for playing a zombie, I don't play one. Instead, I play a zombie expert who is a Russian mafia wannabe, but he's actually a Dilliwallah.
You are so not a tabloid star, you aren't in any controversies and fights. How do you keep away from the filmy side of Bollywood?
I'd like to give credit to my father for teaching me this attitude. I've always believed that after shooting, I have a life that I come back to. I'm very happy that people pay me to do what I want to do. Over the years, I've acquired a Zen-like approach to my work. I'd rather spend time with my loved ones than indulge in day-to-day gossip, power play and needless discussions.
Now that a newspaper has carried details about Kareena Kapoor's bridal wear, can we know if you've set the date?
Well, that piece reads more like an advert for the designer. Beyond that, I don't want to comment. Actually, I can do a thesis on the pitfalls of having a relationship with another actor. It's really sad that it sidelines all the attention away from the work that we do. The most random stuff is written about her and me. I'm sure people are also bored reading about all this. I read some of the comments on these websites and people really don't care. I don't have much to add to it. I'd rather people notice our work.
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