Have there been days when you have had to drag yourself to work?
Yes, on some days. Like today for this photo shoot. Ever since I was a kid one of the first things I realised is that this is the only job where I’d be excited to go to work every day. There is rarely a day when you are like, ‘Oh no’. And the good thing is you get to choose your films and your roles. Hopefully, you are in a position where you choose something not just to support yourself but because it’s something exciting to do.
Are you hassled with the constant travelling your work demands.
I’m not hassled at all. I’m just a little amazed that I’m doing it. But that’s an average actor’s life. Not that I’m average! But there is, at least in my life, a lot of travel, a lot of hotel rooms, a lot of work abroad. So the day after I shot an ad in Eastern Europe, I was shooting in Mumbai for another ad. That’s a bit tight.
Aarakshan was the second film you did with Amitabh Bachchan after Eklavya. What does working with an actor of his stature do to you as an actor?
When I was doing Eklavya I thought I’d better be well prepared. I had a lot of lines with him. I remember thinking, it’s not correct for me to be intimidated. I was psyching myself. I said I must respect him but I must not be in awe of him. That was the hardest part. So, when I achieved that I felt I’d achieved something great.
Was it easier the second time around?
No, Eklavya was home territory for me. I was playing a role that was easy. I just had to know my lines really. I mean I was playing a prince who’s returned from London. But in Aarakshan, I was a bit worried because I wasn’t 100 per cent comfortable in what I was trying to portray. And I knew, as always, Amitji would be. It wasn’t about being competitive but being good at what you’re doing. I was a little conscious about whether I’d get it right because it’s so new to me. And then, Amitji said something about learning lines — that you have to learn them and remember them when you’re in the gym, in the shower and when falling asleep.
Apparently, Kareena was unable to give dates for your film Agent Vinod because she was committed to other projects.
She’s busy but that’s not the reason Agent Vinod is delayed. I think we underestimated how long it would take to cut an action movie like this. But there’s no harm done. In the meanwhile, I’ve gone and shot two movies (Aarakshan and Cocktail). I think the rumours started because I had said it would take less time than it has actually taken.
You’ve already rubbished the stories about Kareena and you having problems. Do these kind of things irritate you?
It’s difficult to control this kind of talk when you’re in a relationship. It’s really tough because everyone goes on about your relationship. They don’t even understand what it is. They’ve got their own perceptions of her being a bitch or me being an idiot, or me being something or her being something. Whatever it is, it’s not what it seems, obviously. I’m not that stupid. But the idea is to keep it separate. Otherwise, it overshadows everything you’re trying to do as an actor.
Your reactions to reports that one of the reason for your fights is that you have to sponsor holidays for Kareena’s family.
The embarrassing part is when families are brought into it. It’s also most annoying. It happens sometimes and I try not to think about it. I’ve gotten used to it. And I think people will get used to it too. You’re actors, you’re professionals and you’re working. You have a personal life and you must keep the two separate. The fact that you’re in the same profession makes that hard and you get talked about more for things that one shouldn’t get talked about. So, that’s a bit annoying. Then when you have to explain that you’re not doing silly things like sponsoring holidays… it gets embarrassing.
There was an item on the Internet which said you were spotted wearing Kareena’s track pants…
The Internet is a wonderful thing but no they were my track pants. Besides, hers won’t fit me.
Kareena has said that her filmography would be incomplete without the Khans — Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir. Is she forgetting that you are a Khan too? What have you added to her filmography?
We’ve not had a successful onscreen association. We’ve never had a successful movie. But naturally any actress would want to work with the Khans and I don’t think she forgets that I’m a Khan too. I think she should be the best person to answer that question.
What still surprises you and sometimes catches you unawares?
God, beauty and kindness in all this chaos and a flash of innocence in all this filth.
Hmmm… when did you last see that flash of innocence in all the filth?
(Wickedly) It wasn’t at the customs yesterday. That’s for sure. Actually in children, and particularly mine. And yes, something that surprises me a little is my attitude, which I think has changed for the better. Just when you think you are getting used to something you can start feeling differently about things. You like to feel calm and I’m quite happy where I am. Sometimes you get surprised by the niceness in people.
Are you fed up of being asked questions on marriage or your fights with Kareena?
No, not really. I’m not fed up of anything. Just concerned because whatever I’m doing professionally somehow gets side tracked and we end up talking about my wearing her tracksuit. That makes me sound like an idiot. That worries me.
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