Aiming for the Stars

It’s what SOTY has done for me. I wanted to be an actor but never imagined that so many people would know me,my name,after my very first release.

Do you also credit Karan Johar for backing you even after

the film?

In fact,all the credit goes to him. When he cast us — Varun Dhawan,Alia Bhatt and me — he had decided to back us until we established ourselves. He wants to nurture talent and return to the industry what he got from it. Besides,as a producer,he regularly faces problems with getting dates from stars,so he is trying to create a talent pool.

So does Johar take all the career-related decisions for you three?

We do seek his advice often. Dharma (Productions) is unique that way because unlike corporates,it is run by an individual,so the atmosphere is more warm and welcoming. Alia and I will often be found at the Dharma office. But then,Varun and I are used to being there for over four years now since we both worked with Karan as assistant directors (ADs) on My Name Is Khan.

Dhawan and you have been friends ever since?

Yes,and since we stayed together as crew members in Los Angeles,the US,during the shoot of

the film,My Name Is Khan,we share that camaraderie that comes with familiarity.

Do youngsters work with Dharma as ADs in hope of bagging a role?

Now they do. I did want to become an actor but I didn’t join Dharma in hope of bagging a role. I didn’t know how to tell my father I wanted to be an actor without understanding how a film set or the business works. This opportunity just happened.

But Dhawan,Bhatt and you are viewed as a package deal ever since SOTY released. Isn’t that a deterrent?

It’s only a matter of our second releases. Once that happens,we’ll develop our own identities as actors — good or bad.

You are likely to have three releases next year.

Yes,but my first will be Hasee Toh Phasee in February 2014

before Ekta Kapoor-produced The Villain and also Remo D’ Souza’s next. Hasee… has Parineeti Chopra opposite me and it almost feels like a launch all over again since this will

be my first film as solo hero. There will be no one to share the blame with,since Parineeti has already proved herself.