Mumbai: He is the 'big thing' in bollywood now that his performance in 'Rockstar' has got him rave reviews. We meet this affable star at his parents' bungalow in Bandra.
Excerpts from the interview.
Q: How does it feel to see your film sustain after a very good initial?
A: I feel a sense of gratification and calmness. We worked so hard on the film, so it eases us to see that people have liked it. I attribute their compliments for me as an actor to the character they connected with. And of course, Imtiaz Ali for guiding me in the right direction to portray the protagonist.
Q: Did you anticipate it would be your biggest opening so far?
A: Not really. It's not a film that is spoon-feeding the audience. It lets you draw your own interpretation of love. It's not the kind of film made before, so we had no reference point. The woman's (Nargis Fakhri) character is not easily acceptable in the society. So the box-office numbers have come as an advantage.
Q: Share with us some of the compliments you've received since the film released.
A: For the first time my dad was so vocal. He said if Raj Kapoor had been around, he'd have loved my performance and the film. For me that's the biggest compliment and Amitabh Bachchan writing a personal letter, praising my performance. My grand-uncle Shashi Kapoor going to a theatre after 15 years, and saying that the boy is very good. Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi calling at 2.30 in the night...
Q: In your previous interview to HitList, you said you want to be bigger than the Khans. Do you see the success of Rockstar as a big step in that direction?
A: Rocket Singh didn't get the opening. I attribute it to the theme, character and the story. The Khans have been around for 23 years. If I've given one hit, they've given ten. While comparison happens, I can't compare. The three Khans were compared to Amitabh Bachchan and when they reached his position, he had moved further ahead. So by the time I reach their position, they'll have moved ahead too. I hope I can make my own place. I know it's a long way ahead and won't come easy to me. I've not reached the phase where my face can excite the audience. Hope to reach there.
Q: People are disappointed with Imtiaz Ali for casting.Nargis Fakhri, saying she's on the other end of the specturm, vis-a-vis your performance.
A: Rockstar is Nargis's first film. She's never done something like this before. I think she was very good and that helped me. She's not someone we're used to seeing. I took a while to get used to her. I hope she gets what she deserves.
Q: While you have your family and friends to celebrate the success, don't you wish there was someone special to share this joy?
A: Yes.... I think we all do. We all wish to.share our joy and sorrow with our special ones. Yes, it would be nice if someone was there in my life.
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