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"Sonakshi is hardworking and professional" - Imran Khan
Imran Khan says wife Avantika pulls his purse strings. Filmfare meets the trophy husbandMore on: Filmfare, Imran Khan
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Written By Suman Sharma
Senior Copy Editor (Hindi)
Posted Tue, Jun 25, 2013RATE STORY
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Q. How did you prepare for your role of a gangster in Once Upon a Time In Mumbaai 2 (OUATIM2) – the first in your career…
I may be playing a gangster but my role is not negative. My character tries to resolve every matter with love and not violence. This film is based in the '80s. So I have based my style on the actors of the time like Jackie Shroff and Anil Kapoor. They were style icons. I've also worn a black denim jacket, which I borrowed from my friend's father. I bought a turquoise ring and picked up another one from Jama Masjid in Mumbai to add authenticity to my character, who's based in Dongri. I visited this old-world area with the production team covering my face with a helmet.
Q. We're hooked to gangster films. Doesn't it somewhere glorify violence?
You tell me what kind of films should be made? Not many like watching films on the common man. We portray only that what is happening in real life.
Q. Were you disappointed that Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola didn't do as well as expected…
Definitely! But one should see the brighter side as well; Matru… is one of Vishal Bhardwaj's most successful films. The film recovered its budget and earned a profit, though the film wasn't appreciated as much as we expected. One should enjoy one's work no matter what the destiny of the film.
Q. Gori Tere Pyar Mein is your second film with Kareena Kapoor. What kind of equation do you share with her?
Kareena's personality resembles that of my wife Avantika's (Malik). There is something about her, which I seem to understand well. She's a little temperamental and a little naughty. I like those qualities. We share a good rapport. Since this is my second film with her, I'm comfortable enough to pull her leg, something which I missed doing in our first film Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu.
Q. Tell us something about Sonakshi Sinha your co-star in OUATIM2…
Sonakshi has got so much success that it could have changed her. She could have turned arrogant. But she's hardworking and a thorough professional. She reaches the set before the producer, the director and the cameraman. She prepares her dialogue. You can ask for as many retakes and she'll do it without complaining. She's fond of cars, which generally girls are not. I like that about her. Avantika is not at all interested in cars or driving.
Q. You must be pulling her leg on the set as well…
It's difficult to pull her leg because she does it herself. People often tease her for being plump. So whenever she enjoys her lunch, she jokes that if the media guys happen to see her they would have field day writing about her weight. She doesn't mind even if her fashion sense is criticised. She lives the way she wants to.Any memorable incident while shooting OUATIM 2 with her… We had to shoot a scene where Sonakshi had to lie unconscious, while I had to talk to her. It was simple for her because she had no dialogue nor was she required to show any emotion. So while I began delivering the emotional dialogue, I was shocked to realise that she had begun snoring. Everyone on the set burst out laughing. Actually, she was not in a mood to work that day.
Q. With your eye for precision your uncle Aamir Khan's title of perfectionist could soon be yours…😆😆😆
I've been taught that if I undertake any work I should do it with resolve. You should tap all that you're capable of. I don't want people to say I've not given my 100 per cent or that I'm lazy or unmotivated.
Q. Recently, you and Aamir were working at Film City for a month but were never seen interacting with each other.
(Laughs) No, we didn't ignore each other. Rather we were not aware that we were shooting within the same premises. We don't discuss our work so we don't know about each other's schedules. Yes, we were shooting for 20-25 days; his set was next to mine. I learnt this from my mother.
Q. Are you keen to work with Kiran Rao?
We are family but we don't indulge in professional conversation. I'll work with someone only if the script is good. If I sign a film just considering the production and the banner, then I'd be the most foolish person around.
Q. Tell us something about your friendship with Ranbir Kapoor.
Ranbir and I met about five years back just after our debut films. It's astonishing that though we lived nearby and had some common friends, we hardly knew each other. Ranbir is one actor with whom I can discuss films at length. But we don't get much time to meet. I'm friendly with Ranbir but he's not my friend because I've known him only for a few years. It takes ages to form a friendship – almost 10 to 15 years!
Q. Reportedly, you have raised your market price…
I don't discuss my price.
Q. Okay are you a smart investor?
No. I'm not at all smart. Avantika looks after my investments. I'm fortunate that she's in my life. Otherwise, I've no idea from where the money is coming and where it goes! Avantika crushes my dreams. It's my dream to buy a Ferrari. But she ruled it out saying the time wasn't right yet. I never seem to have money on me. Right now, I don't even have my wallet and had it been there it would have been empty. I'm extravagant. That's why she takes care of the finances.
Q. What is the best thing you like about Avantika?
Oh so many things! I can't single out one. We've been together for 11 years. I'm so dependent on her. She's the most essential part of my life.
Q. Does she ever feel insecure?
I never give her the reason to be insecure. She knows that after shooting, I head straight home. Till now I have not given her reasons to question me. Such a situation will never arise in our lives.
Q. What is essential for a successful marriage?
Every relationship is unique. One can never isolate things that help a relationship. I've seen couples who are always fighting yet choose to live together. You can't give relationship advice to anyone. But the most important is that you want to be with that person.
Q. How do you balance your personal and professional life?
I do one or two films at a time. I can't multi-task. I like having time for myself. I love to travel and spend time with family and friends. Avantika understands that this is the only time to work. Akshay Kumar, he works on Sundays as well but only for eight hours a day. To work on your terms can only be possible after 20 years in the business.
Q. Any plans to become a father?
Not this year. I'd love to be by Avantika's side if she were expecting. I should be able to give her ample time. And that's not possible this year.
Q. You seem to be content with life…
I am a simple guy. I have got more than I wished for. I love my work. I get paid well. I am young and healthy and have no worries. There's nothing missing in life.
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