Imran Khan, the cute boy-next door, who stole the heart of every female who saw Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, in his next film Kidnap, changes into a dark, grim kidnapper. Talk about being different! We caught up with the actor. Read on for excerpts.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how nervous are you about your second release?
7.5.
Often the first release is attributed to luck and critics wait to see the second before accepting the artiste as an actor. Do you agree that the second film is more important than the first one, in some ways?
Yes I agree. It's very true. I feel I can prove my versatility as an actor now with this film and set lots of thought and speculation to rest.
How do you feel playing a bad boy on screen?
It's incredible that I am getting a chance to experiment at such a young age and do something so different from what I had done before. Doing Kabir's role in Kidnap was a great opportunity. It was exciting to see if I could stretch myself for a character.
And did you stretch yourself?
Oh yes! I would say that I've gone way beyond my comfort zone - both as an actor and character! I had to become a completely new person with no common links to build this character. At the end of the shoot, I felt totally drained.
Like how?
I remember this particular scene - just before the intermission. It was a very highly charged scene between Minissha and me. After the end of it, I was left completely shattered and broken! I went home that night but couldn't sleep. I'd alternate between throwing up and bursting into tears. I don't know, but somehow I managed to make it through that difficult night, as I had to report for shoot again the next day.
Is it difficult to get into the mind of a negative character?
Kidnap is interesting because the script is a study of morality and pushes us to rethink our opinions about good and bad. In films, good is good and bad is bad. In real life, it doesn't work that way. There's no absolute good or bad and in this film you learn the same about all the characters as the story unfolds - as you understand their background, their morality becomes fluid. The film doesn't talk about right or wrong or good and bad.
You think your huge female fan following will be disappointed to see you as the bad guy?
No. So far, the response to the promos has been pretty good and they have liked my new look. The response has been very encouraging and even if it wasn't, I am not afraid about such things. I can't let a thought like that affect my creative decisions. I am an actor first.
At one time, villains did bad guys roles but now mainstream actors do those parts. Why?
That's because the audience and cinema have evolved. In the old days, there was only good and bad with no grey shades in between. Today, things are more normal and even our audiences started accepting the heroes in a different light.
Which is your favorite negative role?
My uncle, Aamir's character (Dil) or the Ice Candy Man in Earth.
A leading lady who carries off a negative character well?
Minissha Lamba. She's got a lot of range and is a fine actress.
Don't you think an A-list actress would've added more value to this film?
No. Bear in mind that I was a newcomer when I was cast in Kidnap. Last year, when there were polls being run on the most promising newcomers of 2008 with about 15 contenders, my name never figured on the list. I was the last choice for any producer. Sanjay (Gadhvi) and producers Ashtavinayak backed me. I believe that if the actor's good for the role, nothing else matters.
You come across as a good boy. What makes you one?
I don't know⦠maybe because two things mean a lot to me - being very polite and respectful and being upfront and honest about what I feel.
What does Avantika think of you playing bad boy?
She hasn't seen the film but has liked the promos.
This kid ain't nappin'!
If you could kidnap a writer for a day, who would it be?
William Goldmin. He's a great novelist and one of the top screenwriters in Hollywood. He has a tremendous insight into moviemaking.
An Holly actress you'd want to kidnap?
Maggie Gyllenhaal.
A director ?
Chris Nolan.
One Bigg Boss contestant?
I don't watch the show.
One comedian?
It would have to be Robin Williams 15 years ago. I can't think of anybody at present.
One singer?
Bruce Springsteen. I love his voice and music.
And finally, who would you like to be kidnapped by?
I don't know anyone here to call them hot. I find women hot only when I get to know them better. I know Minissha now so maybe her or my girlfriend Avantika - as I know her the best. I guess it would have to be her.
