Setting the bar higher

So,now we have done a full-on Hindi dub of the film as we are confident it can reach a Hindi audience. We tend to underestimate our audience. The challenge lies in inviting the audience up to your level,to not to compromise on your vision. Look at the work of Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin,he is known for his sharp writing skills and he refuses to dumb himself down,and everyone loves his writing.

What is the special quality of Delhi Belly?
The film gives me a chance to be part of a style of a film-making that I appreciate tremendously. From Guy Ritchie to Quentin Tarantino,most people love that kind of cinema but in India we have never attempted this genre,so I was mighty kicked to do this film. The humour in Delhi Belly is of a kind we haven’t seen before in India. Its tone is so casual and irreverent that every line is a throwaway. People might just walk out of the hall saying where’s the joke and where’s the acting. It’s that casual. We hope people catch it,as the film makes no concession for the audience.

What are the perks of acting in a home production?
Let me see,I’ve shot for 22 hours on the trot for this film. I flew to Delhi on Jet Lite and stayed in the very charming two-star hotel,DolphInn Select. The hotel had these red and yellow lights on the ceiling,which you could change. So some days,we were in a yellow-coloured room and some days it was red. The best part of the hotel was that it had free Wi-Fi. Oh and yes,we spotted many ladies in their undies. I don’t want to speculate on their business,but they were charming.

Why would Aamir do that to you?
Well,because we knew that this film could not be burdened with a heavy budget but it needed excellence. Most of the actors have done the film free of cost but we got the best technical crew. Everyone came on board because they had the same ferocious drive to attempt something untried in ­Indian cinema.

You have a much publicised erection scene in the film. Were you squeamish about it?
No,I wasn’t. It’s funny. It’s damn hilarious.

How did you shoot it?
Well,there was an intern on the sets helping me out. (Laughs)

Male or Female?
(Laughing) Whatever you think. I give you carte blanche. I’m kidding!

What was the vibe on the set when you were shooting the scene?
Well,nobody could keep a straight face. But then that’s because it’s a really funny scene.

As an actor,do you have a list of what you won’t do on screen,like Shah Rukh Khan says he’ll never kiss on screen?
I can’t think of anything off the top of my head. Maybe as I do more work,if I come across something objectionable,I won’t do it. Two years ago,I hadn’t thought I’d do a close-up shot of an erection.

You have a very strong fan base,mostly tweens who like you in romcoms. Are you apprehensive about how they will react to the content of Delhi Belly?
No,because I know that Delhi Belly is made for an adult audience. There will always be films made for my core audience.

How do you regard your romcom space? Many believe you are India’s Ashton Kutcher.
God,no. I hope they mean it as a compliment. That guy did Punk’d after all.

But he does all these romcoms too,and the word on the street here is that you are the go-to guy for urban romcoms. Are you comfortable with the tag?
Well,let me say that I’m comfortable with doing romcoms. If the audience likes you,you should never question why they like you. If they like my eyes,I shouldn’t say,no,come on,like me instead for my smouldering intensity.

What’s this proxy war between you and Ranbir Kapoor?
I don’t think it’s a war. It’s entertaining to pit us against each other. It makes for fun reading. Also,he has never said anything wrong or offensive about me.

But there was a story given out by Ranbir’s camp that he recommends you for all his rejected endorsements.
Well,he says he didn’t say it. So I’d like to give him the benefit of the doubt.

When stories like these come out,what do you normally do? Do you confront each other?
Well,I pick up the phone and call him. Like I did when this story came out. He said he didn’t say it. I’d like to believe him. I might be right or wrong,maybe after a few days,I may come to know that I was completely wrong but that’s the kind of person I am. I understand that relationships are based on faith and trust,so I’d like to believe what he’s saying.

Are you and Ranbir friends?
I haven’t known him long enough to be calling him a friend. I’d say we are friendly. He has a sharp movie sense and I like talking movies with him. He’s not my 2 am friend and neither am I his. But I might be his 2 am drinking buddy. I won’t be surprised if he calls me at that hour. He has done that in the past.

Do you go and drink with Ranbir at 2 am?
Umm.. I’m an early bird so I tend to excuse myself.

You’ve recently got married,tell us one habit that has changed after marriage.
Now,I neatly fold my clothes and put them away when I come back from work.

You’re working with Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. How’s the vibe with both the ladies?
I know,there are a few benefits to my job as I get to shuffle between both these girls. It took me a while to loosen up with Kareena on the sets of Short Term Shaadi but she’s remarkably chilled out. I admire how she doesn’t take herself seriously. She does her job and goes home. Katrina and I are buddies. She’s unbelievably focused on her work. Mark my words,Mere Brother Ki Dulhan will be a turning point in her career. All those naysayers who say she can’t act will shut up after the film.

Finally,what advice did Aamir give you during Jaane Tu… and what advice did he give you for Delhi Belly?
Aamir has never given me advice. That’s not his style. He’s a man of action and no words at all. The most that has come out of him is that after Jaane Tu…,he said,“Not bad” and after Delhi Belly,he said,“You’ve done well.” This is the extent of it all,no further encouragement or praise. As a family,from Mansoor to Aamir to my mom,Nuzhat,to me,that’s how we are. We hold each other for very high standards,and each one is ­expected to deliver. We set our bar high and it’s the same for everyone.