Destiny8217;s CHILD

What was your first reaction when Kiran Rao offered you the film?
My immediate reaction was picturing myself in a dhoti and kurta and washing clothes,but Kiran quickly put me at ease saying that Munna the dhobi was a Mumbai street-kid,a tapori and would be dressed in shirts and trousers. That,and the fact that it was an intriguing script helped me decide.

Did you identify with Munna in any way?
The fact that he dreams of becoming a film star one day was the connect,because two years ago I was dreaming of the same thing.

How would you describe Kiran as a filmmaker?
In one word,shes a genius. Kiran is extremely imaginative,supportive and patient. Shes not your regular aspiring filmmaker.

The film is based in Mumbai which is referred to as the fifth character in the film. Did you discover something about the city that you did not know earlier?
I have been brought up in Mumbai,but my life was centered around the suburb of Bandra. During the making of the film I was exposed to the slums of the city,and how the people in the shanties live. That was a first time,and an eye-opener.

Do you have any scenes with Aamir Khan in the film?
I have four scenes with him. I am his dhobi and hes my saab,so the scenes are very basic,like me handing over the washed clothes. Theres not much conversation between us.

Were you in awe of him?
Yes,yes! No one can stand in front of Aamir Khan and not be in awe of him.

How is he on the sets?
In the beginning,Aamir just let Kiran and me go ahead with whatever we were doing. It was only later,and when he thought we needed guidance,that he would come forward with his point of view.

You made your debut in a cameo in Jaane Tu8230;Ya Jaane Na,and your second film is an off-beat Dhobi Ghat. Do you intend making a slot for yourself as a niche actor like your mom,the late Smita Patil?
The reason I did both the films was because the scripts were very exciting. I dont mind doing any genre if a script is strong,it could be a hardcore commercial entertainer,or an unconventional flick.

Last month you went to New York to attend the retrospective of your moms films. How did you feel?
I felt very proud.

Was there any film screened that you had not seen?
Yes it was the first time that I saw Bhavni Bhavai,which starred Naseeruddin Shah.

Are you in touch with any of the directors with whom she worked?
I am in touch with Ketan Mehta who made Bhavni Bhavai and Mirch Masala with her and also with Shyam Benegal. I have not worked with them but we could in the future. Interestingly,mom worked in Ramesh Sippys Shakti with Amitabh Bachchan and now I am doing Dum Maro Dum which is directed by Sippys son,Rohan with Abhishek Bachchan.

What are you playing in the film?
I play a college student living in Goa.

What about Raghav Dars My Friend Pinto?
My Friend Pinto is a fun film,something like Babys Day Out. The only difference is that I am the overgrown baby. Its really funny with me doing all sorts of crazy and funny things.

When do you start shooting for Prakash Jhas Aarakshan?
We start shooting from February in Bhopal. I am going to be stationed there for almost two months thereafter. I am very nervous about working with Mr Amitabh Bachchan who plays the principal of a college in the film while I play a student.

Now that you have done four films,how would describe yourself?
I am someone who takes even the smallest of roles seriously. But I am not a method actor. I dont tell myself that is how I must tackle my part. Even though I am well-prepared I see the broader picture,ask questions and innovate at the spur of the moment.

Coming to your private life how do you react to reports linking you with young budding actresses like Soniya Mehra,Shraddha Kapoor and Shazahn Padamsee?
They are all beautiful girls and I wish the reports that I was dating them were true. But all of them are good friends. Shraddha Kapoors brother is my good friend and she and I were to do My Friend Pinto together. On the other hand Soniya,Shazahn and I go back a long way.

So presently are you single?
Yes,I am,but ready to mingle. There are so many beautiful girls around.

What is your fan mail like?
I get millions of messages and calls from girls everyday,but I am scared to respond. Like my aunt says,I have to be careful and be friends only with someone who does not manipulate me,and lets me concentrate on my work.

Does it make you feel good?
Of course! I feel so wanted,and after all it is the female fans who make an actor.

Your aunt Manya has influenced you a lot.
Shes my mother and my boss. She is extremely protective,and her main criterion is that I keep working and dont stay idle. I am fortunate to have her because it is not easy for her to handle her own family and a crazy guy like me.

How are your relations with your step siblings,Juhi and Aarya Babbar?
We are all busy with our careers and dad is busy with his political work. But we talk regularly and whenever Aarya and I meet its robust jappis and pappis. But when Juhi is around we behave ourselves.

Which other film are you working on?
Theres Tigmanshu Dhulias Milan Talkies in which I will be seen as a masti khor from Allahabad. I have also signed Gautham Menons remake of the South hit Vettaiyadu Villaiyadu in which I am paired opposite a new girl Amy Jackson. It is the first film that will have me in a solo romantic part.

What are you doing these days to keep fit?
Presently I am just eating healthy. I have been taking it easy with my physical activities like yoga and martial arts. But I will be back on track soon.