‘THERE WAS THIS ONE LADY, A GREAT ACTRESS, AND SHE WAS MY MOM’

It’s quite an unconventional debut especially since you only have five scenes. What made you choose this as your first?
I didn’t really plan anything. Everyone kept telling me that at 21, I’m too young to be thinking of a film career and that I need to prepare for a big launch. Jaane Tu… just sort of happened. I was studying mass communication and, alongside, working with Prahlad Kakkar. I even did a couple of ads (Kit Kat and a Pepsi commercial with Priyanka Chopra). One day, I learnt of auditions being conducted for a film. So, I just walked in and got the role too. It was a high for me to be chosen to act in the film. I wasn’t thinking of a debut. I was only curious to know about filmmaking and whether I would enjoy it. I’m pretty satisfied with what the film has given me. It might not have been a Hrithik Roshan kind of debut  but the fact that people think I can do good work is good enough for me.

Is it true that your family was unaware of you doing the film?
Yes, they had no clue. I told my nani (maternal grandmother) first and she was like, “So now he’s gone and done a film. God knows, what he’s going to do next.” She is always so worried about me but now has sort of given up on me. Then, I told my aunts and then my dad.

How did your dad react?
He was really concerned. I think he lost it in the beginning. He said I am too young and that I should have asked him. But I told him, “I’m sorry but it’s done now.”

Did you always wanted to act?
Not till two to three years ago. I’m a sports buff and for the longest time, wanted to be a cricketer. Then I thought I’ll become a singer. But then I thought I should give acting a shot since it’s in my genes.

How many people have told you that you look like your mother?
(Smiles) Since the time I could hear and understand that I could hear, I’ve been hearing this. It’s weird. I get an idea about what she was all about from people. I just know that there was this one lady, Smita Patil, who was a great actress and that she was my mother.

Do you connect with her in anyway?
Yes. Just the fact that she was so dedicated pushes me to give my best. I want to be a better actor and a good human because she was the best. She was very real and had no airs about herself. She would sit on the ground and have lunch with spotboys while her co-stars like Amitabh Bachchan would eat in their van. Everyday, she would tell nani to pack lunch for 20 people. She was a people’s person. That’s why she was such a great actor. I wish I could be like her. I’ll try my best to live up to what she achieved.  

Which of your mom’s work do you like the most?
Mirch Masala, Ardhsatya, Arth and Chakra.

And your dad’s?
I like all his work. My dad is my hero. It’s a given that a son will always think of his dad as his No.1. My dad is a very good actor. Give him any role, and he’ll do justice to it.

What did he say when he saw Jaane Tu…?
He felt that both Imran and I are pretty promising. He told me to work hard, take acting seriously and everything will fall in place.

And what did nani say?
She said I reminded her of her daughter. She also told me to work hard and not look back.

Is it true that you’ve signed a Madhur Bhandarkar film?
It’s strange but I hadn’t even spoken to him when I read a news report that I’m supposed to be doing his next film. I met him after the story came out but I still have no idea whether I’m doing the film. It’s really up to him. I’m pretty paranoid about all these things. I don’t know how the industry works, so I get very nervous when I have to take work decisions. I just know that I’m looking for good, meaningful roles and not only senseless comedies. I want roles that can someday go down in history books. That’s another thing I have in common with mom.

Any tips that Jaane Tu… producer Aamir Khan gave you?
Aamir is a great guy. He’s the best actor we have and a wonderful human being. He really encourages youngsters and has been very supportive of my performance. He thinks I’ve a lot of talent and wants me to take myself seriously.

How are you handling your women fans?
The other day, my friend called me from Pune to tell me that a lot of girls have liked my performance and that some of them even think I’m good-looking. I was like, wow, that’s a good feeling. I’m enjoying it. I’m very much single, so it’s cool.

Tell us three things about you that nobody knows.
(Thinks hard) I like to cook once in a while. I’d love to be in a rock band one day. And that there was a time when I used to watch the film, Border, everyday