The Ladies Man

This year has been the biggest learning curve for me. I’ve started to learn the ropes of the industry and how a film set works. I’ve learnt so many things interacting with different people,that I feel I have grown a lot in the last one year.

You play a Casanova in the film. How promiscuous are you in real life?

I am not a Casanova any more,I used to be one when I was in school and college. It was a thrill during my teenage years to date more than two girls at a time. But that’s a thing of the past. Now,I believe in dating just one person. So please don’t confuse the reel me with the real me.

So who are you dating now?

No one. I am single.

What happened with Anushka Sharma? There were rumours about you both dating.

When I began my career,she was my only close friend from the industry. We are still good friends. Whenever we get time,we catch movies or grab a meal together. But beyond that,there is no relationship. And look at me; doesn’t she deserve someone better?

How did Sonakshi Sinha come into the picture?

I honestly don’t know. I have met Sonakshi just three to four times and that too professionally. I am now doing my next film Lootera with her. That’s about it. We haven’t even hung out together.

Besides the link-ups,you have your second movie to look forward to. Are the expectations higher?

Of course they are. When I did Band Baaja Baaraat,people did not know who I was. When they saw the posters they did not even react to it and to top it all,Yashraj Films was going through a lean phase. However,when the film hit the theatres,people loved it and it changed all our fortunes. Now people want to see my range as an actor and if I have it in me to survive in the industry.

Post BBB offers must have poured in. Then why have you signed just one other film apart from this one?

Yes. I got around hundreds of offers. Honestly speaking,only three were good. I am biding my time and waiting for the right scripts to come my way. I don’t want to rush into anything.

Was it difficult to leave behind the character of Bittoo Sharma?

I had to go through extensive workshops to create space for other characters in my life and come out of the Bittoo Sharma phase. As Ricky Bahl,I play four different characters. And when I started shooting this film,the effort was to not just move away from Bittoo,but also add newer dimensions to each of Ricky’s characters.

Tell us three tricks which will be helpful in conning a girl.

Firstly,you have to make her laugh. Once you crack her up with your humour,you have disarmed her. Secondly,you have to charm her with your smile. A good smile goes a long way. Lastly,you have to smell good. You have to smell fresh and masculine and not like a bunch of flowers (laughs).