Mumbai:
Are you happy with the response to Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster?
The response has been tremendous. We all did this film out of love, and I certainly didn't expect it to be so appreciated. My phone has not stopped ringing since the release; I am very grateful.
You entered Bollywood with a bang, but after D you vanished. What really happened?
Initially I was blessed with the right offers, but I didn't take any of them up. In hindsight, I probably should have. However, there is no sense of regret. I went through a really low phase for two years... one unsuccessful movie after another.
I even felt acting was not a profession for me and went away on a self-exploration trip. I did do theatre throughout though. Today, the fire within me has only grown because I lost out on those big opportunities.
Why did you turn down such good offers?
I was too full of myself. I was this young boy with 'extra blood' in me. I didn't have the right guidance. I thought all I had to do was stand in front of the camera and things would work out. I realise now that's not true. A film is a team effort.
So you were arrogant?
(Laughing) Even though I studied in Australia, I am a Jat after all! We have this inherent high self-esteem, which is misinterpreted as arrogance. Now I know that it takes a lot of experienced people around you to bring out the right product.
Only then can your work shine. In the movies that I did, probably something was amiss, though I had put in my sincere efforts.
What brought about your change in attitude?
After I came back with Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, I realised that big production houses and big stars mean a bigger platform. One needs a certain platform to stand on and there are a few offers now. But I still believe that money doesn't make a film bigger; it is the idea, perception and the execution.
Does this mean you are on a people-pleasing spree now?
I still think if you are in the good books of everyone around you, then there is something wrong. As long as I am in people's thoughts, I am fine.
Is it true that filmmaker Mudassar Aziz, your ex-girlfriend Sushmita Sen's current flame, and you have become friends now?
I have met Mudassar many times earlier. There is no friendship as such, but if he approached me with a film, I will do it.
On the personal front, rumour has it you are dating Neetu Chandra.
I do not want to talk about it. I suffered earlier when I was involved with someone. I was only talked about because of my involvement.
So who asked you to get involved with such a high-profile person?
(Smiling) It was not planned.
The response has been tremendous. We all did this film out of love, and I certainly didn't expect it to be so appreciated. My phone has not stopped ringing since the release; I am very grateful.
You entered Bollywood with a bang, but after D you vanished. What really happened?
Initially I was blessed with the right offers, but I didn't take any of them up. In hindsight, I probably should have. However, there is no sense of regret. I went through a really low phase for two years... one unsuccessful movie after another.
I even felt acting was not a profession for me and went away on a self-exploration trip. I did do theatre throughout though. Today, the fire within me has only grown because I lost out on those big opportunities.
Why did you turn down such good offers?
I was too full of myself. I was this young boy with 'extra blood' in me. I didn't have the right guidance. I thought all I had to do was stand in front of the camera and things would work out. I realise now that's not true. A film is a team effort.
So you were arrogant?
(Laughing) Even though I studied in Australia, I am a Jat after all! We have this inherent high self-esteem, which is misinterpreted as arrogance. Now I know that it takes a lot of experienced people around you to bring out the right product.
Only then can your work shine. In the movies that I did, probably something was amiss, though I had put in my sincere efforts.
What brought about your change in attitude?
After I came back with Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, I realised that big production houses and big stars mean a bigger platform. One needs a certain platform to stand on and there are a few offers now. But I still believe that money doesn't make a film bigger; it is the idea, perception and the execution.
Does this mean you are on a people-pleasing spree now?
I still think if you are in the good books of everyone around you, then there is something wrong. As long as I am in people's thoughts, I am fine.
Is it true that filmmaker Mudassar Aziz, your ex-girlfriend Sushmita Sen's current flame, and you have become friends now?
I have met Mudassar many times earlier. There is no friendship as such, but if he approached me with a film, I will do it.
On the personal front, rumour has it you are dating Neetu Chandra.
I do not want to talk about it. I suffered earlier when I was involved with someone. I was only talked about because of my involvement.
So who asked you to get involved with such a high-profile person?
(Smiling) It was not planned.
