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Let's start with Krrish 3. It's one of the most awaited films of the year. There's mammoth buzz around it, and huge expectations that you have to live up to as the superhero. What's running on your mind?
Nothing, because we can only create our best with something that we believe in. Expectations signify hope, which is always attached with my films. But I think expecting is a waste of time. You just need to put your best foot forward and leave the rest to god. The result matters which the world puts before you. The struggle you went through to make your film remains in your head. Everyone goes through hardships which we mustn't glorify. Eventually, if we have satisfied the audience's expectation from our film, the rewards will follow.
Krrish was technically the first Indian superhero film. The only benchmark it had was Mr. India which it surpassed. Krrish 3 inevitably is touted to surpass its predecessor and other indigenous films like RA.One and Robot, apart from Hollywood films. Does that thought give you sleepless nights?
When you're creating something, your foremost responsibility is to create something of immense value, which only comes out of originality. Novel things excite the audience and influence them positively. It's a natural instinct to up the level of your current work from the previous. My father is the kind of person who doesn't believe in re-creating. He just believes in creating. I have his genes! With our limited budgets, we have made a good product. For the rest, I have my fingers crossed.
Rakesh Roshan mentioned in his interview that the budget of Krrish 3 can't be compared to a Hollywood film...
(Interrupts) That's true! The budget of Krrish 3 is perhaps the budget of a single sequence in Spiderman or Iron Man. And you can't stop people from comparing. And why not? They must compare. I'm not afraid of comparison. I ask people to compare our product with the world's finest superhero films. I don't want to live with excuses. I don't want a sympathetic approach towards my film because we're Indian. I'm proud that it's India's first VFX musical superhero film which is completely home grown. All the technicians, artistes, and even the VFX guys are from India. This film should throw open opportunities for technicians and artistes here. It should motivate them because the world is waiting to watch this film.
Was all the VFX done in India?
Ninety per cent is done by Red Chillies and 10 per cent by Pixion, but no advice from overseas!
Why? Your film has the potential to compete with international superhero films. Why didn't you hire expertise from Hollywood studios that could give Krrish 3 that extra edge?
I know where you're coming from, but this was a conscious decision. My father wanted to be the first to show faith in Indian hands that can make a product which is at par with Hollywood productions. He had that faith. I have that faith. The stupendous response to the promo proved that our decision was right.
The industry was shocked that Vivek Oberoi was roped in to play the villain Kaal. He hadn't worked with you earlier. He's not known to be your buddy. And his professional image is different from what he was hired to do. Why him?
Vivek is extremely hard-working and immensely talented. He's a team worker. Honestly, there was no other name under consideration while working on the final draft. When my father gave him the script, he couldn't believe he was offered a role in Krrish 3. He was so excited that he read the script at once, and came on board. He has never played a negative role, and viewers will be pleasantly surprised with what he has done.
Wouldn't his recent professional past hinder Krrish 3's chances? He has a line-up of unimpressive films " KLPD, Jayantabhai Ki Love Story and Grand Masti.
A good actor can't be judged by success or failure. Vivek was the first and the last choice. Even Kangna was our first and last choice.
In a recent interview, your father stated he would only work with you as the hero. Doesn't that pressurise you?
I'm at my best when I'm under pressure. So bring it on! (Laughs) My father doesn't like to compromise. He had told me early on that he won't cast me just because he's a successful filmmaker and I'm his son. I was looking for work outside at that point of time. He hit upon an idea and thought I'd suit the part if he made that into a film. That's Kaho Na... Pyaar Hai's back-story. Even now, I'm sure
if he has a story which doesn't suit me, he won't cast me. He'd cast whoever suits the role. I'm hard-working I believe. And he trusts me that I'll put in my 100 per cent to make his vision a reality.
Do you have creative differences with him? Are you vocal about your displeasures and suggestions?
We work as a team and we argue, debate and discuss, but we're working towards a common goal. Yes, we have creative differences, but it's not like it's my idea' and it's his idea' which is important. The idea that works for the film is the best idea. So, either he convinces me or I convince him, but the communication line is open. I work freely with my dad.
Krrish 3 is your fourth film with your home banner. Has it ever happened that a suggestion you thought worked for the film was rejected by him, and it upset you?
Never! He doesn't impose anything on his actors. He has worked with the best in the industry and he knows how to give the space to his artistes. He'd always reason with me, and not discard my suggestions unceremoniously.
Are you really playing a triple role in Krrish 3?
It's actually double with three shades to the character. Krrish wears the mask. There's his alter-ego Krishna and his genius father Rohit, who continues from Koi Mil Gaya. The father's role is the most challenging. He's mentally challenged, vulnerable and loveable, but he's Krishna's father. So, when he places his hand on his son's shoulder, that confidence should reflect in his body language. Rohit is a key factor in the film. I had to get it right. And I had to work the hardest on it because I was reviving it after seven years. I wasn't sure if I'd get it right. I used all the tools I used back then. I feared that my voice would've changed. I worked on the tonal delivery, so the continuity is maintained. Rohit and Koi Mil Gaya are still fresh in public memory.
What were the technical challenges you faced while playing these characters?
Lots! I had to be in that Krrish jacket and mask in the heat. I had to perform action sequences and immediately slip into Krishna's
role for romance. Then I'd sit for three hours to get into Rohit's look. I had to emote without any actor opposite me. For instance, the scenes involving Krishna and Rohit! I didn't have a co-actor for cues.
I worked on the expressions and the counter-expressions together and then implicate them in the scene. I had to be cautious about my dialogue delivery so they look like two actors playing those two roles. I was acting opposite air!
It's a bit technical to understand!
Krrish 3's promo shook the nation, but Priyanka Chopra's absence in it was talked about.
It's a point of view that everyone can express. Our job was to present the best promo. I must admit what you saw in the promo had a lot of contribution from Priyanka. When she saw the promo, she was honest to say that the promo wasn't good enough for the film. It sparked something in me. She wasn't talking about her shots in the promo. She pointed out the fact that the promo overall lacked spunk. I had three hours to deliver. I made certain changes with a few more cuts and shots in place and it worked. Priyanka is a team player. She knows what works for the film. I have to thank her for being honest. Today, the promo has crossed 17 billion views.
We've also read that Kangna turned down the film initially. How did you'll convince her for the negative role?
Kangna had her apprehensions because there were two leading ladies and she was obviously coming out of Kites, where she expected a lot more from her role. It was the director's discretion to snip her part. So, she was a little afraid and insecure but when she read the script, she was bowled over. She was right into the frame. She's done a fabulous job as Kaya. There's no one better than Kangna who could have played the part.
So, the superhero will fight a woman? No ego hassles?
Yeah! And believe me, she's tough to fight. She looks incredible. She's the best super girl you'd have ever seen. This was my most favourite character. I'm proud that Kangna has given her fullest to the character. People will love it. And why should I have ego hassles? Why can't we have a woman antagonist? There's nothing as lethal as a woman whom you desire and are afraid of. We had the opportunity and we went ahead with it. It adds variety to life... (Winks)
Trade reports claim that Chennai Express is the biggest money-spinner in Bollywood ever and Krrish 3 will march ahead of it pretty easily. Your sentiments?
I'm happy for Shah Rukh and the Chennai Express team. Cinema is service to people. They served them well. If we get to serve them right, even we will get the rewards we deserve. Honestly, I don't think of numbers when I make a film or act in one. I work for passion. The film needs to be perfect, and the rest will fall into place.
Just before you kicked off promotions, you underwent a brain surgery. It concerned millions of your fans and a host of producers who've signed you for their big budget films. You emerged triumphant...
It wasn't tough. What did I have to do? I just had to lie there. They did their job. I did everything in my control diligently. I had to find all the information, the best doctors and lie down. We were singing songs, and watching movies. I was awake at the operation table!
Are you serious?
Yes! I chose to be awake because I wanted to have the experience. I made the nurses sing. We took pictures and videotaped it. It was a mind-blowing experience. It took three minutes to drill a hole in my skull, which is supposed to be the hardest bone in the body. And I was awake! I could sense it. The sound was the loudest you'd hear in your life. I have to admit, the drill machine sounds scary. But there's nothing to worry. The mistake we make is to expect or assume the worst will happen. Think positive and work towards it! Everything falls into place. Go by evidence! You'll be fine.
You're actually a superhero, aren't you?
Well, hmmm...I'd have to admit that Krrish has made a huge impact on my life. While playing characters, I try to imbibe certain qualities of theirs in my real life. They make me a better and braver person. Krrish has been most impactful in that manner. That's the reason I wear this symbol on my hand. It's a band designed by my sister-in-law Farah Khan Ali with the emblem of Krrish's mask. I've taken this back from the film. It's more powerful than an individual because it stands for certain values. It signifies that I want to lead my life like a superhero, who's beyond the cape, the mask and flying. He uses his powers to give something to the world selflessly. He motivates and empowers. He's on the front foot, for the cause. I had this band when I was wheeled in for the surgery. I had speedy recovery. I was surprised I went through that phase with a smile. I could've let my knee-pain, my bad shoulder and back pain pile up in my head. I had a speech impediment once. Today, I've had a hole drilled in my head. These things can make you negative, but I thought why not come out of all these with a smile and inspire lives. I put my thoughts together into a poem.
Could you elaborate on the poems?
After I was discharged from the hospital, on my way home, I had a lot of negative thoughts in mind. I thought penning them would turn them into positive energy for me. I penned my thoughts because creativity is a great tool in despair. Pain is dark. So, when you look into things around you, you can create something that can lighten your spirit and mind.
Do you plan to continue writing?
Not really! It's something I've done earlier also. I wrote some 15 or
16 poems, which were loaded with the emotions, which were running through my mind at that point.
Can you share some of them with our readers?
Most of my poems are on Sussanne. They're personal and I won't share them with anyone although I posted one on Facebook.
After Krrish 3, you'll sink your teeth into two films simultaneously, right?
Bang Bang was supposed to be over by now, but my surgery pushed the schedule. I've a lot of commitments to complete. I will, for the first time, work on two films together. I'll do my best for both films to make up for the lost time.
There has been a lot of speculation on Shuddhi because it teams you with your famous on-screen jodidaar Kareena Kapoor Khan after a decade.
(Cuts in) Huh! True! I think Kareena is one of the finest actors in our industry. There has been a lot of speculation regarding the film. It happens when people expect something out of the film. It's too early to talk about Shuddhi though because we're yet to start shooting. We have a great script, a great director and a great production house. It's a difficult film.
What's the story?
It's too early! I reveal anything, and they'll kill me...
How far have you reached with Bang Bang?
We're done with 20 per cent. It's a long way off. It's a fun action romantic comedy. It's a first of its kind for me.
Expectations are high since it pairs you with Katrina Kaif after Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.
I don't know which part of our chemistry has been more appreciated, but that has been done. This film is not a recreation of that chemistry for sure. It's an original film. Chemistry comes out of paper (script), and a set of two good actors who vibe well. I hope we have the ability to create that.
Reportedly, you were doing Tigmanshu Dhulia's take on Hamlet. Has that progressed?
Oh! There's no talk about any Hamlet. I'd like to work with Tigmanshu though. I love his films.
What went wrong with Paani? Are you upset, angry or amused that after a highly bankable star, they've signed a newbie like Sushant Singh Rajput?
Doesn't that happen to everyone who is dedicated to a certain subject? People who create from the heart have to follow their heart. Paani has been an organic process over the years for Shekhar Kapur. Eventually, when everything was sealed, the filmmaker wanted to start on it right away. Probably, he wanted someone like Sushant Singh Rajput, who is honest with his work. Tomorrow, if my dad has a script in his head and I don't fit into it, I won't have issues with him. So, why will I have issues with Shekhar Kapur? I'm proud that we have somebody like Shekhar who's making Paani. I'm sure it'll be a great film. I wish him well.
But don't you feel bad when people move on with a newer actor, particularly when you have already agreed in principal?
I'm a creative person. I say yes or no to a script for a reason. If a script doesn't make me jump out of my chair, it's my duty to say that
I haven't taken to that script. And the director, also a creative person, will understand and respect that.
With the kind of dedication and involvement you show in your home production, it's an obvious guess that you'd love to direct a film some day. Is that how it is?
I have no idea! I don't think so much in advance. Maybe it'll happen, maybe it won't. Right now, my plate is full, and it's only becoming bigger and fuller. If I ever have the urge to direct, which turns into a strong instinct, I will direct, but right now, I'm happy as an actor. Production takes away two years of a filmmaker's life. I'm happy being a hired actor. The luxury of being just an actor is amazing. (Laughs)
Are you planning do a reality show after Just Dance?
Right now, I'm neck deep into Bang Bang and Shuddhi. There's no room for a reality show in my date diary.
With a tight work schedule, do you find family time?
My Sundays are for my family and kids. I practice this whenever I'm in Mumbai. When I'm not shooting, I make sure I'm with them. Even when I am shooting, they visit me.
What have the women in your family contributed to make you who you are?
Irrespective of what happens, they're honest. It's a great support structure to have. You might disagree with them at times, but they are your strongest critics and biased at times.
Which is that one quality in your father which you lack?
Multi-tasking! I do one thing at one time. He does 10,000 things together. It's an amazing talent. I'm learning that from him. Every director has his or her way of working. It's the job of the actor to fit into that groove and create an equation that works well. The one thing that I appreciate in my dad is that we work without ego. I can tell him anything I feel and vice versa. People say that he gets the best out of me in his films. I say that because he gives his best to get the best.
Have you shown the movie to your kids? What did they say?
No, they haven't seen the film, but Hrehaan and Hridaan are on top priority for me. I want to show them the film with all the effects. They're very young. I want to show them the complete product because they're used to all kinds of kids movies. They watch Spiderman, Superman, Batman and Iron Man. They know what superior quality special effects look like. I'm dying to show them the film and get their reactions. They loved the promo! They liked the music also.
Do they contribute or suggest?
Hrehaan has been very involved in some of the special effects shots. He emailed me some shots and he's just seven. I make him sit and choose the ones he likes best. He has contributed more than 30 to 40 shots.
Lastly, you talk a lot about inspiration, positivity and happiness. You go spiritual even on your micro-blogging space very often. What drives you?
Once you understand what keeps your people happy, these thoughts come to you automatically. You'll know the power of positive energy when you work for the happiness of mankind. By making others laugh and smile, you can actually rid yourself of the sorrows in your life. It's a domino effect. You focus on others and forget about your own suffering although your pain is still tagging along. That's the route to happiness. Take the camera away from you and turn it towards the people. When you're alone, introspect what you can do for yourself. Ask the right questions, you'll get the right answers.
Nothing, because we can only create our best with something that we believe in. Expectations signify hope, which is always attached with my films. But I think expecting is a waste of time. You just need to put your best foot forward and leave the rest to god. The result matters which the world puts before you. The struggle you went through to make your film remains in your head. Everyone goes through hardships which we mustn't glorify. Eventually, if we have satisfied the audience's expectation from our film, the rewards will follow.
Krrish was technically the first Indian superhero film. The only benchmark it had was Mr. India which it surpassed. Krrish 3 inevitably is touted to surpass its predecessor and other indigenous films like RA.One and Robot, apart from Hollywood films. Does that thought give you sleepless nights?
When you're creating something, your foremost responsibility is to create something of immense value, which only comes out of originality. Novel things excite the audience and influence them positively. It's a natural instinct to up the level of your current work from the previous. My father is the kind of person who doesn't believe in re-creating. He just believes in creating. I have his genes! With our limited budgets, we have made a good product. For the rest, I have my fingers crossed.
Rakesh Roshan mentioned in his interview that the budget of Krrish 3 can't be compared to a Hollywood film...
(Interrupts) That's true! The budget of Krrish 3 is perhaps the budget of a single sequence in Spiderman or Iron Man. And you can't stop people from comparing. And why not? They must compare. I'm not afraid of comparison. I ask people to compare our product with the world's finest superhero films. I don't want to live with excuses. I don't want a sympathetic approach towards my film because we're Indian. I'm proud that it's India's first VFX musical superhero film which is completely home grown. All the technicians, artistes, and even the VFX guys are from India. This film should throw open opportunities for technicians and artistes here. It should motivate them because the world is waiting to watch this film.
Was all the VFX done in India?
Ninety per cent is done by Red Chillies and 10 per cent by Pixion, but no advice from overseas!
Why? Your film has the potential to compete with international superhero films. Why didn't you hire expertise from Hollywood studios that could give Krrish 3 that extra edge?
I know where you're coming from, but this was a conscious decision. My father wanted to be the first to show faith in Indian hands that can make a product which is at par with Hollywood productions. He had that faith. I have that faith. The stupendous response to the promo proved that our decision was right.
The industry was shocked that Vivek Oberoi was roped in to play the villain Kaal. He hadn't worked with you earlier. He's not known to be your buddy. And his professional image is different from what he was hired to do. Why him?
Vivek is extremely hard-working and immensely talented. He's a team worker. Honestly, there was no other name under consideration while working on the final draft. When my father gave him the script, he couldn't believe he was offered a role in Krrish 3. He was so excited that he read the script at once, and came on board. He has never played a negative role, and viewers will be pleasantly surprised with what he has done.
Wouldn't his recent professional past hinder Krrish 3's chances? He has a line-up of unimpressive films " KLPD, Jayantabhai Ki Love Story and Grand Masti.
A good actor can't be judged by success or failure. Vivek was the first and the last choice. Even Kangna was our first and last choice.
In a recent interview, your father stated he would only work with you as the hero. Doesn't that pressurise you?
I'm at my best when I'm under pressure. So bring it on! (Laughs) My father doesn't like to compromise. He had told me early on that he won't cast me just because he's a successful filmmaker and I'm his son. I was looking for work outside at that point of time. He hit upon an idea and thought I'd suit the part if he made that into a film. That's Kaho Na... Pyaar Hai's back-story. Even now, I'm sure
if he has a story which doesn't suit me, he won't cast me. He'd cast whoever suits the role. I'm hard-working I believe. And he trusts me that I'll put in my 100 per cent to make his vision a reality.
Do you have creative differences with him? Are you vocal about your displeasures and suggestions?
We work as a team and we argue, debate and discuss, but we're working towards a common goal. Yes, we have creative differences, but it's not like it's my idea' and it's his idea' which is important. The idea that works for the film is the best idea. So, either he convinces me or I convince him, but the communication line is open. I work freely with my dad.
Krrish 3 is your fourth film with your home banner. Has it ever happened that a suggestion you thought worked for the film was rejected by him, and it upset you?
Never! He doesn't impose anything on his actors. He has worked with the best in the industry and he knows how to give the space to his artistes. He'd always reason with me, and not discard my suggestions unceremoniously.
Are you really playing a triple role in Krrish 3?
It's actually double with three shades to the character. Krrish wears the mask. There's his alter-ego Krishna and his genius father Rohit, who continues from Koi Mil Gaya. The father's role is the most challenging. He's mentally challenged, vulnerable and loveable, but he's Krishna's father. So, when he places his hand on his son's shoulder, that confidence should reflect in his body language. Rohit is a key factor in the film. I had to get it right. And I had to work the hardest on it because I was reviving it after seven years. I wasn't sure if I'd get it right. I used all the tools I used back then. I feared that my voice would've changed. I worked on the tonal delivery, so the continuity is maintained. Rohit and Koi Mil Gaya are still fresh in public memory.
What were the technical challenges you faced while playing these characters?
Lots! I had to be in that Krrish jacket and mask in the heat. I had to perform action sequences and immediately slip into Krishna's
role for romance. Then I'd sit for three hours to get into Rohit's look. I had to emote without any actor opposite me. For instance, the scenes involving Krishna and Rohit! I didn't have a co-actor for cues.
I worked on the expressions and the counter-expressions together and then implicate them in the scene. I had to be cautious about my dialogue delivery so they look like two actors playing those two roles. I was acting opposite air!
It's a bit technical to understand!
Krrish 3's promo shook the nation, but Priyanka Chopra's absence in it was talked about.
It's a point of view that everyone can express. Our job was to present the best promo. I must admit what you saw in the promo had a lot of contribution from Priyanka. When she saw the promo, she was honest to say that the promo wasn't good enough for the film. It sparked something in me. She wasn't talking about her shots in the promo. She pointed out the fact that the promo overall lacked spunk. I had three hours to deliver. I made certain changes with a few more cuts and shots in place and it worked. Priyanka is a team player. She knows what works for the film. I have to thank her for being honest. Today, the promo has crossed 17 billion views.
We've also read that Kangna turned down the film initially. How did you'll convince her for the negative role?
Kangna had her apprehensions because there were two leading ladies and she was obviously coming out of Kites, where she expected a lot more from her role. It was the director's discretion to snip her part. So, she was a little afraid and insecure but when she read the script, she was bowled over. She was right into the frame. She's done a fabulous job as Kaya. There's no one better than Kangna who could have played the part.
So, the superhero will fight a woman? No ego hassles?
Yeah! And believe me, she's tough to fight. She looks incredible. She's the best super girl you'd have ever seen. This was my most favourite character. I'm proud that Kangna has given her fullest to the character. People will love it. And why should I have ego hassles? Why can't we have a woman antagonist? There's nothing as lethal as a woman whom you desire and are afraid of. We had the opportunity and we went ahead with it. It adds variety to life... (Winks)
Trade reports claim that Chennai Express is the biggest money-spinner in Bollywood ever and Krrish 3 will march ahead of it pretty easily. Your sentiments?
I'm happy for Shah Rukh and the Chennai Express team. Cinema is service to people. They served them well. If we get to serve them right, even we will get the rewards we deserve. Honestly, I don't think of numbers when I make a film or act in one. I work for passion. The film needs to be perfect, and the rest will fall into place.
Just before you kicked off promotions, you underwent a brain surgery. It concerned millions of your fans and a host of producers who've signed you for their big budget films. You emerged triumphant...
It wasn't tough. What did I have to do? I just had to lie there. They did their job. I did everything in my control diligently. I had to find all the information, the best doctors and lie down. We were singing songs, and watching movies. I was awake at the operation table!
Are you serious?
Yes! I chose to be awake because I wanted to have the experience. I made the nurses sing. We took pictures and videotaped it. It was a mind-blowing experience. It took three minutes to drill a hole in my skull, which is supposed to be the hardest bone in the body. And I was awake! I could sense it. The sound was the loudest you'd hear in your life. I have to admit, the drill machine sounds scary. But there's nothing to worry. The mistake we make is to expect or assume the worst will happen. Think positive and work towards it! Everything falls into place. Go by evidence! You'll be fine.
You're actually a superhero, aren't you?
Well, hmmm...I'd have to admit that Krrish has made a huge impact on my life. While playing characters, I try to imbibe certain qualities of theirs in my real life. They make me a better and braver person. Krrish has been most impactful in that manner. That's the reason I wear this symbol on my hand. It's a band designed by my sister-in-law Farah Khan Ali with the emblem of Krrish's mask. I've taken this back from the film. It's more powerful than an individual because it stands for certain values. It signifies that I want to lead my life like a superhero, who's beyond the cape, the mask and flying. He uses his powers to give something to the world selflessly. He motivates and empowers. He's on the front foot, for the cause. I had this band when I was wheeled in for the surgery. I had speedy recovery. I was surprised I went through that phase with a smile. I could've let my knee-pain, my bad shoulder and back pain pile up in my head. I had a speech impediment once. Today, I've had a hole drilled in my head. These things can make you negative, but I thought why not come out of all these with a smile and inspire lives. I put my thoughts together into a poem.
Could you elaborate on the poems?
After I was discharged from the hospital, on my way home, I had a lot of negative thoughts in mind. I thought penning them would turn them into positive energy for me. I penned my thoughts because creativity is a great tool in despair. Pain is dark. So, when you look into things around you, you can create something that can lighten your spirit and mind.
Do you plan to continue writing?
Not really! It's something I've done earlier also. I wrote some 15 or
16 poems, which were loaded with the emotions, which were running through my mind at that point.
Can you share some of them with our readers?
Most of my poems are on Sussanne. They're personal and I won't share them with anyone although I posted one on Facebook.
After Krrish 3, you'll sink your teeth into two films simultaneously, right?
Bang Bang was supposed to be over by now, but my surgery pushed the schedule. I've a lot of commitments to complete. I will, for the first time, work on two films together. I'll do my best for both films to make up for the lost time.
There has been a lot of speculation on Shuddhi because it teams you with your famous on-screen jodidaar Kareena Kapoor Khan after a decade.
(Cuts in) Huh! True! I think Kareena is one of the finest actors in our industry. There has been a lot of speculation regarding the film. It happens when people expect something out of the film. It's too early to talk about Shuddhi though because we're yet to start shooting. We have a great script, a great director and a great production house. It's a difficult film.
What's the story?
It's too early! I reveal anything, and they'll kill me...
How far have you reached with Bang Bang?
We're done with 20 per cent. It's a long way off. It's a fun action romantic comedy. It's a first of its kind for me.
Expectations are high since it pairs you with Katrina Kaif after Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.
I don't know which part of our chemistry has been more appreciated, but that has been done. This film is not a recreation of that chemistry for sure. It's an original film. Chemistry comes out of paper (script), and a set of two good actors who vibe well. I hope we have the ability to create that.
Reportedly, you were doing Tigmanshu Dhulia's take on Hamlet. Has that progressed?
Oh! There's no talk about any Hamlet. I'd like to work with Tigmanshu though. I love his films.
What went wrong with Paani? Are you upset, angry or amused that after a highly bankable star, they've signed a newbie like Sushant Singh Rajput?
Doesn't that happen to everyone who is dedicated to a certain subject? People who create from the heart have to follow their heart. Paani has been an organic process over the years for Shekhar Kapur. Eventually, when everything was sealed, the filmmaker wanted to start on it right away. Probably, he wanted someone like Sushant Singh Rajput, who is honest with his work. Tomorrow, if my dad has a script in his head and I don't fit into it, I won't have issues with him. So, why will I have issues with Shekhar Kapur? I'm proud that we have somebody like Shekhar who's making Paani. I'm sure it'll be a great film. I wish him well.
But don't you feel bad when people move on with a newer actor, particularly when you have already agreed in principal?
I'm a creative person. I say yes or no to a script for a reason. If a script doesn't make me jump out of my chair, it's my duty to say that
I haven't taken to that script. And the director, also a creative person, will understand and respect that.
With the kind of dedication and involvement you show in your home production, it's an obvious guess that you'd love to direct a film some day. Is that how it is?
I have no idea! I don't think so much in advance. Maybe it'll happen, maybe it won't. Right now, my plate is full, and it's only becoming bigger and fuller. If I ever have the urge to direct, which turns into a strong instinct, I will direct, but right now, I'm happy as an actor. Production takes away two years of a filmmaker's life. I'm happy being a hired actor. The luxury of being just an actor is amazing. (Laughs)
Are you planning do a reality show after Just Dance?
Right now, I'm neck deep into Bang Bang and Shuddhi. There's no room for a reality show in my date diary.
With a tight work schedule, do you find family time?
My Sundays are for my family and kids. I practice this whenever I'm in Mumbai. When I'm not shooting, I make sure I'm with them. Even when I am shooting, they visit me.
What have the women in your family contributed to make you who you are?
Irrespective of what happens, they're honest. It's a great support structure to have. You might disagree with them at times, but they are your strongest critics and biased at times.
Which is that one quality in your father which you lack?
Multi-tasking! I do one thing at one time. He does 10,000 things together. It's an amazing talent. I'm learning that from him. Every director has his or her way of working. It's the job of the actor to fit into that groove and create an equation that works well. The one thing that I appreciate in my dad is that we work without ego. I can tell him anything I feel and vice versa. People say that he gets the best out of me in his films. I say that because he gives his best to get the best.
Have you shown the movie to your kids? What did they say?
No, they haven't seen the film, but Hrehaan and Hridaan are on top priority for me. I want to show them the film with all the effects. They're very young. I want to show them the complete product because they're used to all kinds of kids movies. They watch Spiderman, Superman, Batman and Iron Man. They know what superior quality special effects look like. I'm dying to show them the film and get their reactions. They loved the promo! They liked the music also.
Do they contribute or suggest?
Hrehaan has been very involved in some of the special effects shots. He emailed me some shots and he's just seven. I make him sit and choose the ones he likes best. He has contributed more than 30 to 40 shots.
Lastly, you talk a lot about inspiration, positivity and happiness. You go spiritual even on your micro-blogging space very often. What drives you?
Once you understand what keeps your people happy, these thoughts come to you automatically. You'll know the power of positive energy when you work for the happiness of mankind. By making others laugh and smile, you can actually rid yourself of the sorrows in your life. It's a domino effect. You focus on others and forget about your own suffering although your pain is still tagging along. That's the route to happiness. Take the camera away from you and turn it towards the people. When you're alone, introspect what you can do for yourself. Ask the right questions, you'll get the right answers.
Mr And Mrs Parshuram
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
Seher Hone Ko Hai
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