I want to be there for my kids: Imran Khan

Imran Khan in an exclusive interview on fatherhood, friends and films...

In all of three years, Imran Khan has already featured in seven films, emerging a favourite with filmmakers and audiences alike. And despite the hiccups (Kidnap and Luck), has shown versatility through his roles - going from college loverboy (Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na) to hassled urban professional in the raciest adult comedy last year ( Delhi Belly). The actor talks about films and fatherhood among other things.

How 2011 was for you? It was a great year. I had two releases - Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Delhi Belly; both did exceptionally well. I got married early 2011 and that was one of the happiest moments of my life. There's a sense of calmness and confidence that I have now embraced. It comes from knowing that there will be ups and downs and you got to know that life goes on.

Are you competitive by nature? I have never been competitive in my life. For me, it's always about self-improvement. I don't want to hold someone else as a yardstick to compare my growth. Everyone has been blessed with unique traits and I can't be comparing myself to them.

How do you stay grounded in an industry dominated by box-office collections and a constant spurt of newcomers? The fact that I have a life outside the industry helps. I have my close set of friends who don't obsess about trade figures and the Saturday drop. We prefer talking about music, books and stuff that isn't even remotely related to the industry. I recharge my batteries by engaging myself in such conversations. I cannot go back home sitting and cracking my brains over who is making how much money!

Do you turn to Aamir for advice when it comes to choosing films? Not really. There's something Aamir told me early on, 'If you want, I will hold your hand till the very end, or else, you jump into the deep end and swim on your own'. I have learnt to deal with the effects of both success and failure over the last three years. I have come to realise that along with failure, dealing with success is also important otherwise you end up being an a**hole.

With the family welcoming a new member, do you have any plans to start a family soon? I am in no rush to become a father. It is something that I definitely look forward to, but it will be a couple of years down the line. At the moment I have no time for anything but work. Besides, I don't want to be the dad who isn't there for his child. I want to be there for my kids and it's something I would never compromise on.

What's your wish for 2012? I am an extremely optimistic person... always have been. I am what they call an eternal optimist. So I look at 2012 as a year for great films, personal growth and everything that's positive. I feel life is too short to look at the negatives and let them affect you. So I am extremely charged about starting work on Vishal Bhardwaj's Maatru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola and looking forward to the release of Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu with Kareena.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/I-want-to-be-there-for-my-kids-Imran-Khan/articleshow/11337723.cms