Fan frenzy for Shahid!!

Scary 'prem'onitions: Shahid Kapoor and Amrita Rao in Vivah

Narrating his ordeal, the actor says, "A few days ago, Soorajji (Barjatya), Amrita (Rao) and I were promoting Vivah post its release in Lucknow, Kanpur, Delhi and Faridabad. We were at a theatre in Faridabad to promote the film when our security people got left behind in the ensuing rush. We had gone about 10 kilometres ahead of them when we realised that nearly 20 bikers were chasing us.

They formed a line and halted in front of our car. Then they started banging on the car's windows and asked us to come out. They were fans who had watched Vivah in that same theatre and wanted autographs and pictures. We didn't know what to do, but thankfully the security guards turned up just before they could forcefully open the doors or do anything stupid.

Finally, they went away peacefully when the guards asked them to do so."

First of its kind
Shahid is known to be a teen icon, so he must be used to this kind of fan frenzy. "I have never been on outside promotional work for my earlier films, so this is the first time that something like this has happened to me," says an amused Shahid.

Was he scared? "Not really, but we were apprehensive for Amrita as she was a girl and it was a secluded place. Also, Faridabad isn't a place we have been to before, so it was alien to us. We didn't know which way the situation would turn. Fortunately, nothing happened."

Vivah has been panned by critics, but Shahid isn't disappointed. "It's a hit all over India and even the trade papers have declared it a success.

Everybody has the right to an opinion, but ultimately it's what the audience wants. Today, different genres of films have different types of audiences. Soorajji makes his films keeping in mind a particular audience who is loyal to him and love his sort of films. He makes it for them, keeping their sensibilities in mind. It's important to know who your target audience is."

Being of today's generation, did he feel Vivah was regressive? "Not at all. It has a very positive attitude about marriage and everybody loved the climax. Eighty per cent of Indians go for arranged marriages, so why not make a film on that?"

Nana ke saath
After Vivah, the actor begins working on Rohit Shetty's next film with Nana Patekar. "It's a romantic comedy and I am looking forward to working with Nana. This is the first time I will be acting with him." Isn't he apprehensive of Nana's eccentric behaviour? "Not at all," he laughs. "In fact, I am sure that it will be a learning experience for me," signs off the actor.