It's my life - Imran Khan - Filmfare interview

Written By Ashwini DeshmukhPosted Tue, Feb 17, 2015

The professional sabbatical has done a world of good to Imran Khan. The serious actor has taken a backseat and reassessed his career prospects. His plan now is to follow his heart. He's not going to bow down to the diktats of the industry. He has decided to take the proverbial foot off the gas. And cruise his way into a career where his choices make him and his family proud. He wants to have fun making movies. He wants to pick and choose the people he works with. In an age of cut-throat competition, Imran has taken the brave choice of being different. Most importantly, Imran has no regrets about his cinematic journey. He's neither disappointed nor distraught. He's decided to focus on the smaller joys in life and the larger one of playing dad to daughter Imara. With his upcoming movie Katti Batti co-starring Kangana Ranaut he's all set to befriend the limelight again. With rare candour, he confesses to his dismal social skills and critiques his recent work. Excerpts...

How is the renovation of your grandfather, the late Nasir Hussain's family home, coming along?
It's a nightmare. The work is just not getting over. We started in 2010. In 2012 we moved in. The third and final phase is going on. But it's all worth it.

What was the plan behind rebuilding the bungalow?
I've chosen every screw, every brick here. There's not a nail or a door handle which hasn't been approved by me. Every flooring sample was checked in the sunlight and indoors with the lights on. I poured water on it, walked barefoot on it... Everything is handmade and handpicked by me. Phew!

Why the extra effort?
It's a labour of love. This is my grandfather's (Nasir Hussain) house. It has sheltered three generations of my family. We've been here for 52 years now. The fact that I'm taking forward his legacy keeps me going. I've given the bungalow his name, not mine.

Moving to your career, do you feel the past two years have seen a lull?
I did just one film, Ek Main Aur Ek Tu in 2012. It was a small film and it did well. I was happy with it. In 2013 we had Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola. I don't know what to say about that film. You're working with an artiste like Vishal Bhardwaj. You give yourself entirely to his vision; put your trust in him.

Were you disappointed with the movie?
The film could have been better. I guess, we deviated a little from our original intent. I'm not saying that the film was disappointing. But somewhere we fell short in our execution.

Don't you feel the need to experiment with your roles?
I don't get credit for doing films that are different. People just seem to gloss over it. Luck, Kidnap, Matru..., Delhi Belly... All the 11 films I've done have been unique. But people just tend to disregard and ignore.

Does your straightforward nature work against you?
I don't know. It's seen as rudeness. I am a certain way. I value honesty. I've realised I'm not good at reading between the lines. If someone says something to me, I assume that's what they mean. I can't pick up subtle cues. (Smiles) It works against me in my personal relationships as well. When my wife (Avantika Malik) says, I'm fine', I assume she's fine and I carry on about my life. And then there's trouble. (Laughs) I don't say things that I don't mean. I take everything that others say to me at face value. Which I now understand is a tricky proposition because it doesn't work.

Ever thought of changing your attitude?
Academically, I can understand this concept but I can't force myself to change. I can't make small talk. I know something needs to be done about it but I'm not sure what. I'm supposed to say something but I don't know what words to use. I'm particular in telling people that I don't mean them any disrespect. It's a good barometer to find people with whom I'm compatible with. Nikhil (Advani) was a great example. I called him up without knowing him and told him, I loved your film D-Day but this is what is wrong with it. Until two weeks after Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa released, no one had called me for work. And the first time the phone rang, it was Aditya Chopra on the line. I reached his opulent office at the Yash Raj Studio. He gave me a script to read. I took it home. This was the first time a big producer had called me after the release of my first film but when I read the script I didn't like it. I was terrified. What should I do? How do I say I don't like it? Should I just do the film? But I can't. For three days I just wasted time.

Did you then say no' to Aditya Chopra?
I met him and told him, Sir, I didn't like the script.' (Laughs) I thought he'd press some button and my seat would drop into a dungeon and wild dogs would attack me. But he sat with me for two hours trying to comprehend why I hadn't liked the script. He gave me options; he was more than willing to make changes in the story. That man needs no approval from anyone. I got out of the meeting and my respect for him went through the roof. Someone who is at that position in life hadn't reacted with an iota of arrogance.
He called me a couple of months later offering me another film. That also I didn't do. Finally, I worked in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. But I always remember that first meeting with him. His humility is unbelievable. I've met much less accomplished people who have had far bigger egos and who got offended easily. When a man of Aditya Chopra's stature can accept criticism from a nobody, then no one has any excuse to be offended by honesty. I've understood there are some people who I can speak honestly with and there are the ones I'm compatible with.

Aren't you restricting your career prospects?
Yes. But one must work happily, no? We're all in a position where we've reached a certain level of security. So I can afford to work with a person whom I like and do work that makes me happy. If options are restricted, it's okay. But why should I suffer?

This profession requires a specific set of people skills.
If that is the case then I fall short. If someone goads me and makes me do something then I do it. But left to my own will, I fall back into my pattern - go on the set, work and return home. If I have to promote a film then I will go on some reality show, dance and come back. I'll become a clock puncher.

Does that part of your personality work against you?
Every single choice I make in life is to ensure one thing - that I can sleep peacefully at night. And wake up with a smile on my face. Who's to say my decisions are wrong? It's right for me. It gives me peace, it gives me happiness and that's what I want. I want to spend time with my family and friends and with my cat. I want to work with people whom I like. If my decisions allow me to live that kind of a happy life then I don't believe anything is working against me.

What did you learn from the lean phase in your career?
I had a hunch quite early in my career and this phase has only underlined that fact. It is important that your work must make you happy. The failure of Gori Tere Pyaar Mein aside, it's one of the most fun films I've worked on. Everyone from Punit (Malhotra, director) Kareena Kapoor, the crew members, the sound recordist to the assistant directors were all friends who I had worked with earlier. It was a close knit group. It was one of the most enjoyable experiences in my career. The film failed but every morning I woke up I was happy to go on the set. I got paid for it; I enjoyed working for it so I've achieved two out of three goals.
I want to look back on life and feel I've not wasted it. There are so many people who hate their jobs. I'm not in that position.

What makes you happy?
It's a balance I'm still trying to find. I've been clear that my personal life comes first - my happiness and that of my family. That translates into spending time with loved ones and doing work that excites me. It's never been about money or fame, but work of which I can be proud of.

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