What's your state of mind right now?
How should it be? I'm up and about and all geared for my next release, Jab We
A lot of things happened while you were away. People were speculating about a break-up between you and Kareena. Were you dreading coming back to India and facing the media?
No, in fact I was looking forward to getting back. It was a long stint in Toronto. It felt like I'd lived a lifetime there. I was missing home, family and home food, and couldn't wait to actually get back here. Interacting with the media is fun, it usually is. So why should I shy away? Also, I know exactly what's happening in my life. I'm aware of my personal relationships, and have nothing to fret, for I'm not answerable to all and sundry."
People kept comparing you to Shah Rukh initially. Now your producers say you're a perfectionist like Aamir Khan.
All this sounds nice, but it's very unfair. I'm only three years old in this business. There is absolutely no comparison. I'm just a new rank comer and reaching where these stalwarts have reached is a far away dream.
But you are doing just one film at a time...
Yes, that's the way I like it. Then you don't have to switch in and out of different characters. You are in the flow. Also, the audience's tastes change so quickly, that if you have too many schedules and don't finish your film at one go, you may be a part of a movie the audiences aren't interested in anymore, because their tastes just changed.
You don't come across as a busy actor.
I have age on my side. I am 26 years old. I don't have a wife and kids to support. I can take the risk and can afford to wait till a good script comes my way. I'd rather be idle than do mediocre films. Even three good scripts a year is tough to come by. Trust me!
At the tender age of 26, you have fame, name, money, girls...
I come from a middle class family, and have traveled by train, bus, rickshaws. I wasn't born with a silver spoon. Today, I consider myself more fortunate than successful.
Funnily, you never claimed to be a star kid when you entered filmdom in spite of being the son of such fabulous actors.
My parents were always in films but at the same time out of it. They were never in the thick of showbiz. Also, there was a part of me that wanted to prove things to myself. I didn't want to be pushed, I wanted to be chosen.
So didn't you miss the grand launch most star sons enjoy?
Not at all. My first film did enough and more for me. I am a simple guy, usually content. I like to do my work quietly. I am the underdog, I've always been that."
We heard dad Pankaj Kapur visited you on the sets once. You got weak knees and requested him to leave.
Yes, it was a disaster. It was a very simple shot and I just couldn't get it right. Dad surprised me and just plonked himself right in front of the monitor. I told him I was uncomfortable with him being around. He understood and waited for me in my van. We then lunched together.
But you are going to share screen-space with him soon. How will you manage?
You can't fathom the nervousness. But there's also excitement and at that time I will be mentally prepared. So it'll all be ok, I believe.
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