Play Date

Yes,it is a great character. The name is super catchy. I play the role of a hacker and am the king of the Internet.

Players looks like a coming together of all star kids.

Was it fun shooting with childhood buddies?

I clearly remember one evening when Abhishek (Bachchan),Bobby (Deol) and me were sitting together. I just looked at them and broke into the song,Yeh dosti,hum nahin todenge.

It felt great to be sitting with the sons of two legendary actors. And then,we also had Sikander (Kher) and Sonam (Kapoor),who I have known since my childhood.

This is your first film with Abbas-Mustan,who are known to make thrillers,which is your favourite genre. Are you happy to be working with them?

It has been a brilliant association till now. They have signed me for two more films. They put so much energy into their films that as actors,we are compelled to do the same. For instance,Players may be the official remake of The Italian Job,but every twist and turn from the original has been replaced with a new twist in the remake.

Why do thrillers attract you?

Films are supposed to be slightly larger than life and that is what attracts me. I love playing characters that have a lot of layers. There is no fun portraying a character that is similar to how you are in real life. For instance,

I had the toughest,yet the best time,portraying the menacing husband in 7 Khoon Maaf. Right from Johnny Gaddaar,my first film,I have looked at characters which are not me.

Does that mean you will not do other genres?

My next,Shortcut Romeo,is a romantic thriller. It is a thriller,but has a lot of romantic elements. I would also like to do an out-and-out love story,but it should be something like Erich Segal’s Love Story. A comedy should have comedy in it. I cannot do the slapstick genre. I don’t understand it.

Your choice of movies in recent times haven’t given you the desired box-office results. Does that worry you?

As an actor,box office is least of my concern. That job is done by my producers. I should do my job right. Being bothered about the plight of a film kills your creativity as an actor. I will be concerned about the box office when I turn producer.

So when do you turn producer?

With Paidaar. I have also written this movie. It is a revenge drama — completely fictional and something that is close to my heart.

Coming from a music lineage,are you looking at honing your music skills as well?

Yes,again with Paidaar. I have composed six songs for the film and will be singing them as well. With this film,I am giving a chance to the writer,pianist and singer in me.