Comeback and Forth

After Mission Istanbul,what made you sign Kurbaan which is also an issue-based film?
Kurbaan deals with a very serious topic which is plaguing our society. It deals with the woes of moderate Muslims and their fight for survival. It is a role I could not have rejected.

With Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor being the cosy couple,did you feel left out?
I am very fond of them. I have been friends with Bebo since Yuva and chatted with Saif during Omkara and became friends with him only now. But Saif and Kareena together are simply adorable. And whenever I plan to settle down,I would want my relationship to be like theirs.

So have you planned to settle down?
Not yet. I am single and happy. I am enjoying the freedom it is giving me. I can go anywhere I want,without seeking permission from my wife or girlfriend (smiles). But my mom wants me to settle down.

This is your first release of the year. Are you also practising the one-movie-a-year philosophy?
It is my only release in a year and a half. I was not getting any offers and there were no good roles. But right now with three big movies in my kitty—Kurbaan,Prince and Rakta Charitra,I think I am in the best phase of my career.

Didn’t you ever feel the need to be part of a camp in Bollywood?
I am more of an individual. I like to finish my work and come home,spend time with my family—my brothers,nieces,nephews and my dogs. I have never made friends in the industry to be a part of any camp. I have a few very good friends in the industry,but that’s about it.

Your personal life has always overshadowed your acting abilities. Is your life more sorted now?
I had to pay something called the ‘Ex-Tax’ which I have paid off and I am happier now. I am grateful to my fans who stood by me even during testing times.

So then,what was the purpose of bringing up your past again at Farah Khan’s show?
My silence was being misinterpreted by everyone and so I decided to speak the truth. I thought Farah’s show to be the right platform,where I wouldn’t be misquoted.

Prince – It’s Showtime is your comeback as a solo hero. What are your expectations?
I am very happy that a producer like Tips thought it was safe to put money on me. It is a complete masala film and I enjoyed doing it.

Trade pundits are saying that Rakta Charitra will be the performance of your lifetime.
I don’t want to raise expectations,but I am happy to be working with my mentor Ram Gopal Varma again. This one’s a biopic which will release in two parts. The sequel will release three months later.

With your hands full now is life more stable?
Professionally,yes. With different roles,there is no fear of being typecasted. Personally,if being single means stability then yes,life is stable now.