Your film is all set to release. What's your state of mind?
I'm very nervous and anxious. Yes, there is a lot of excitement too but I know I'm making concerted efforts to stay calm. Expectations from Love Story 2050 scare me but I think I'm handling everything fairly well.
Don't you think you're lucky that your parents have produced a film worth Rs 60 crore as your launch pad?
(Sighs) I know a lot of people who keep saying that I'm damn lucky to get such a big break. I'm not denying that but at the same time nothing was served to me on a platter. It's such an unfair statement to make, especially because I've had to work very hard (like everyone else) to get to this position.
This is my first film but I've already had eight years of work experience in the industry. I wish people would understand that aspect before jumping to conclusions that star kids have it easy.
But don't you think you can leverage the fact that your father is from the film industry?
I don't deny it but, at the same time, I'd like to ask you a question too. If you were from a business family, wouldn't you find it easier to make an entry in your father's company? I belong to a family where nothing was thrust on me and no one forced me to become an actor.
I tried another profession altogether (one year of hotel management in Switzerland) but left it because I wasn't happy doing that. And I didn't jump into Bollywood immediately. I took my time, honed my technical skills and then came in front of the camera. That's why I say I'm debuting after eight long years.
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So what did you do during these years?
I assisted my father in some of his films for five years. I used to get a stipend for that. From being the spot boy to assisting him, I was willing (I still am) to do anything. Most people would think that I'd get a lot of money since I was the son but, really, it wasn't so. Anyway, that was one helluva learning tool and it really helped me when I finally took the plunge as an actor.
That apart, Love Story 2050 has been in the making for almost three years and since I was not just the lead actor but also the son of parents who have invested so much money in a sci-fi film, I've had to study every aspect of filmmaking very closely.
What are your own expectations from Love Story 2050?
I obviously want it to succeed. As an actor, I'd like to be accepted but more than that I know how hard everyone has worked on this film. Creative people from different departments (including my parents) got together to make this film and worked extra hard because it was my debut film. I can't explain it to you but it is a lot of responsibility that I'm shouldering.
The trailers are already doing well, it's got the right buzz but at the same time, I'm aware that three years of genuine, hard work can be snatched away by critics in just five seconds. I do hope that doesn't happen.
Why did it take such a long time to release Love Story 2050? We know that Kareena (Kapoor) walked out of the film...
(Laughs) We also wanted to do everything perfectly. We were ironing out creases especially because the film makes use of some amazing digital effects.
Love Story 2050 has also been in the news for actors walking out, your personal life, your resemblance to another actor and other gossip. How do you continue to cope?
You won't believe me but I've stopped reading film glossies. I just don't read them at all. I don't have a problem when someone writes about me but I have a serious problem when national newspapers of repute publish things I've not even done. It upsets me because I can't deal with what's published.
For instance, I never blew up fat wads of money at Marriot on a date as reported by some journalist. My parents (especially my mother) ensure that I'm grounded like most middle-class people and value money. That apart, I don't have any endorsements in my hand. All I have as of now is a solid bank of films with veterans like Anees Bazmi, Manmohan Shetty and Ashutosh Gowarikar. As for resemblance, I look the way I look thanks to my parents.
What are your impressions of the film industry and how have you changed after your first film?
Since my parents direct and produce films for a living, I've seen the working of the industry very closely. It is a difficult industry to be in, in every way. In terms of competition, in terms of commitment, people's behaviour and attitude and even in terms of cooperating with others, I think it's excruciatingly difficult.
I'm still learning to fit in, especially because my father is still not very "Bollywood-ish" in his ways. He's still at heart a very, very simple man. As far as films are concerned, I beg forgiveness from all those guys whose films I trashed within minutes of watching them. I swear, that's something I won't do very easily now that I've done my own film. Handling harsh comments can be quite difficult.
What are your forthcoming films?
I've got Anees Bazmi's film It's my Life which is a remake of a successful Telugu movie. Then I have Victory, to be produced under the Manmohan Shetty banner, which revolves around cricket. It is one of the most expensive films of India starring a host of real cricketers, including Bret Lee and some Pakistani players. Then I have Ashutosh Gowarikar's next, which is a love story.
How do you unwind?
I sleep and play video games. I have a pillow that I carry around with me. Some days ago I slept on a dubbing studio's floor. And I love going back home to my family. My mum sometimes holds a placard at our dining table which says, "No talking films", each time dad and I start discussing movies, spiralling budgets and other things related to movies.