You Use Me, I’ll Use You

You play a casanova in Masti and your wife is over possessive. What if you landed up with an over possessive woman in real life?
If this happens to me in real life then I won’t be in the relationship. I am a free spirit and would feel suffocated if the woman I am involved with doesn’t trust me.

Of late you have become slightly inaccessible to your fans and the media?
After my accident on the sets of Yuva I was deeply disappointed to see the behaviour of these so called pseudo-intellectuals of the media whom we all look up to. I was appalled that these pseudos termed my accident as a publicity stunt. I was bleeding from my lungs and was vomiting blood. The doctors had given me only 22 percent chance of survival. I was shocked and hurt at the irresponsible and inhuman nature of the media. That’s when I decided to have a fresh perspective on media. Now I am very clear that I will use media as a tool of mass communication and will use them only for two reasons: to promote my film or a cause that I support.

But the general opinion is that Vivek Oberoi has used the media?
Isn’t it wonderful if I do so? The media is supposed to be used, it’s a tool of mass communication after all. If I have a hammer in my hand, I will use it. I share a convenient relationship with the media. It’s like, you use me and I use you and that’s how it’ll end.

You sound bitter.
On the contrary, I am very happy doing the kind of fantastic cinema that I am busy with. I am living life to the fullest.

What is the status of your relationship with Aishwarya Rai?
I’ve never explained our relationship and whenever I have spoken about it, I have done it at will. I’ve always lived by my own rules. It’s funny that when I came in the industry, I was the first one to ask for a bound script. Everybody termed me a rebel and defiant. Ten years down the line, they will call me a revolutionary.

But what about Aishwarya?
Well, Aishwarya and me share a special relationship. We share a wonderful rapport. I am privileged to have her as a part if my life.

You’ve gone on record to say that Yuva is an out and out Abhishek Bachchan film?
As a person who loves cinema and who watches films as a viewer and not an actor, I feel Yuva is Abhishek’s film. He’s a revelation. You will be shocked and surprised at his performance. Abhishek’s a good friend, almost like a young brother and I am very happy for him.

What’s happening to your international projects?
Well, the script of The Invaders has been overhauled. It’s entirely a new subject now. Even the title is changed. It’s become Singularity now. I am waiting to speak to Roland Joffe. Once I do that then I will take a call on the film. But I am confirmed for Shekhar Kapur’s Paani. It’s not my agenda to become an international star. I just want to do good cinema.

Will you work with Ramgopal Varma again?
I’d love to. He’s a sheer genius. We are in touch but now I will only do a film when Ramu is directing me.

Harneet Singh