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Q. When did the acting bug bite you?
When I was eight or nine. I'm from Pune. My house and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) shared a common wall. I'd often watch students shooting and making documentaries. That's how I got interested in films. In fact, I've acted in about 12 documentaries made by the FTII students. Even before venturing into business, I did three South films (one of them was the Telugu movie, Ninu Chudaka Nenundalenu) Films are my passion. People may know me as an industrialist but I'm an actor first.
Q. How was the experience of working in South films?
It was a great experience. I learnt dance, action and attended acting workshops during my stint down South. I was told by people that before jumping into Hindi films, I should do South films. Those films were like an internship for me.
Q. Now that you've worked in both the industries, what are the differences that you have noticed?
There's a huge difference in the way both the industries function. In the South, they begin work at 6 am and shut shop by 6 pm. The industry is structured and organised. They work within a proper format and with budgets. They put in extra effort in every department. Here, it's more chilled out. We work hard too but we're more relaxed than them.
Q. Did the failure of Aazaan disappoint you?
After the release of the film, I realised there are hypocrites in the industry. Many renowned industry guys and media people said they liked the film but they couldn't say it on record. Everyone withdrew from the film. A lot of negativity surrounded it. I witnessed the reality of the industry. I realised what people say is not always what they mean. So more than disappointment, I learnt lessons about life with my first film.
Q. Apparently, Aazaan director Prashant Chadha and you had a fallout when he alleged that you didn't pay his dues.
I don't like to talk about petty things but you should check Prashant Chadha's bank account. He's another hypocrite.
Q. Apparently, you had a spat with Mallika Sherawat when she walked out of Mumbai Mirror.
Mallika Sherawat was unprofessional. Forget about the money, that's immaterial and secondary. Backing out of a film after signing it, takes a toll on the producer. A lot of money has already been put in it. Luckily, it worked for the better for us. It's good we didn't have Mallika in our film because we all know what her status in the industry is today. She did get back to us and say that she'd adjust the money somewhere else but I didn't agree to that. I asked her to refund it because that's the right thing to do. But till date she's not responded. I've approached the producer's council because that's the professional way to go about it. They're sorting it out.
Q. Given that you're Mr Moneybags, do people take advantage of you?
All the time. That's somethingI come across regularly. Seldom do I come across people who meet me for the person I am. They mostly meet me for my money. That's why I've created a cocoon around myself.
Q. But you're perceived as a businessman first. Maybe that's the reason. So do you wish to change that perception?
I want to change it in the right way. People always come to me with expectations. That I'll do something for them. I can't say no and that's why I make excuses. Also, people say sweet things on my face and start bitching the moment I turn my back. But now I've drawn a line.
Q. What are your future projects?
I've heard a million scripts. I'm exploring every genre ' romance, comedy and horror. I'll make an announcement soon.
Q. Do you plan to get into direction?
Definitely! Direction is on the cards. I want to make something different and give something unique to the industry.
Q. Personally, you seem to be on a high after your marriage to Raina.
Yes, I am. My better half is the strongest half I have. I trust her the most. She's also enjoying the process of filmmaking; exploring ideas and scripts. We're looking for a script where we can both get to work together.
Seher Hone Ko Hai
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