Abhay Deol goes out of circulation ahead of Dev D release

In case you're wondering where Abhay Deol is, he's in New York... studying

Abhay Deol has temporarily shifted to New York. He has enrolled himself for several workshops and classes. He is presently in the middle of a course, and won't be able to fly down for the release of his film Dev D.

The actor says, "At the moment, I've enrolled myself to do a technical class in welding and metal work and my acting course starts next month."

Ask him why now, and he explains, "It was something I've wanted to do for a few years now. After I finished shooting Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! and Dev D, I was sure I wanted to leave.

I had to complete Dev Benegal's yet untitled film, which was done by September. I got here in October last year to rent an apartment, which I managed to do.

Then I came back to promote Oye Lucky! in November, completed the last schedule of Dev Benegal's film in December (which had been delayed), and promote Dev D, which at that point was to release in January."

Staying on

Abhay who is known for his unique films and roles says he planned his New York trip to learn new things and explore different expressions of art. He plans to stay in New York till his next film goes on floors, which is mid-2009.

The actor says he is enjoying staying by himself, "Even in Mumbai, I live by myself. Of course, back there, I have help to cook and clean. Here I have to do that by myself but I don't mind it at all. In fact, I quite enjoy it. It keeps me more independent and grounded. Although, I am a terrible cook and I almost always eat out."

Learning the ropes

Abhay has also started his production house Forbidden Lines. Ask him if staying in New York means he's exploring Hollywood and he laughs, "No, for that I have to be in LA! But my film with Dev Benegal is produced by Ross Katz and Susan Landau ,who are really good independent producers here, and are well respected. Can't call that film a Hollywood project but it's not a Bollywood one either."

Any wise words on Dev D?u00a0 "Dev D is Devdas, and so there is no Dev D vs Devdas. The only difference is that Dev D is short for Devinder but the difference is only superficial."