Your new film Deewaar is an ensemble piece. What made you choose it?
Quite honestly, I decided to do Deewaar because it was an adventure film. I love that genre but we never make those in Hindi. I wanted to be part of such a film. I thought it was a very decent script. It has shaped up very well. It's also got a great emotional impact.
I don't think every film one does has to be performance-oriented. I enjoyed working with Mr Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt. I hardly have scenes with Amitji. That's sad, because I'd have loved to work more with him. But I thoroughly enjoyed working with Sanju. Both of them are wonderful co-stars. They're such fun to be with.
Why are you signing so few films?
I'd love nothing more than more work. There's nothing I enjoy more than acting. But I can't do a film I'm not happy with. My unhappiness is bound to show. I have to be comfortable with the people I work with. I'm trying to make the right choices. Sometimes you get it right, sometimes you don't. At the end of the day, it's my choice, and I stand by it.
But in a quantity driven industry, isn't it suicidal to be so scarce?
I think it's a fallacy to see the film industry as being quantity-driven. People would prefer to see me in one good film rather than four bad films a year. Filmmakers are increasingly looking at making quality productions. I really enjoyed Koi…Mil Gaya and Lakshya. I think Lakshya is a huge step in the right direction. Of course that's just one director, Farhan Akhtar, doing what comes naturally to him.
Hungama was hardly quality-driven...
I did it primarily because of the director Priyadarshan. I really enjoyed working with him. After Dil Chahta Hai, Deewangee and Humraaz I needed to go into another mode. Since my films have been successful, I guess I'm choosing well.
But in a quantity driven industry, isn't it suicidal to be so scarce?
I think it's a fallacy to see the film industry as being quantity-driven. People would prefer to see me in one good film rather than four bad films a year. Filmmakers are increasingly looking at making quality productions. I really enjoyed Koi…Mil Gaya and Lakshya. I think Lakshya is a huge step in the right direction. Of course that's just one director, Farhan Akhtar, doing what comes naturally to him.
Hungama was hardly quality-driven...
I did it primarily because of the director Priyadarshan. I really enjoyed working with him. After Dil Chahta Hai, Deewangee and Humraaz I needed to go into another mode. Since my films have been successful, I guess I'm choosing well.
Though right or wrong is entirely subjective. I choose something when I instinctively feel I should be part of it. I had no illusions about Hungama. While getting into it I knew it was an ensemble piece. I knew it wouldn't be 'my' film. That didn't bother me. I knew it would work big-time as soon as I heard the script.
Is commercial success important?
Extremely. It's different with non-commercial cinema. You do those with different expectations. But whatever I do, I have to believe in it.
You're doing another comedy with Priyadarshan?
Hulchal is not a sequel to Hungama. Nor is it a comedy. Sure, it's hilarious in parts. Without sounding arrogant, I'd like to say people are going to love Hulchal.
You seem to have developed a new respect for commercial success.
It was always there. Maybe your perception of the way I look at my projects seems different because we're speaking after a long time. In the interim I've evolved as an actor. I understand the business of cinema much better.
Are you still moody?
I think it's the people who found me moody who have changed. I'm the same.
You and Hrithik Roshan seem to share a common passion for turning down offers.
He's doing what he thinks is right. So am I. My only film is Hulchal which is a Diwali release. I'm looking at scripts all the time. I've seen the lowest levels in my career so I've learnt to be cautious. Otherwise it's a routine life-I do all kinds of normal things.
Are you preparing to be a director?
I don't think I have it in me to direct a film. And I definitely do not have any such plans right now.
Are you going to be in the film your brother Rahul Khanna is directing?
He isn't directing a film as of now. But when he does, I'll certainly be in it. Come on, after all, he is my brother!