You've worked with Rajiv Rai in most of his films. How different is an Asambhav from a Tridev or a Mohra?
All three films are different. In Tridev I play a romantic role. Rajiv Rai cast me as a romantic hero in Tridev against the advice of all well-wishers. I did a singing and dancing role. When he approached me, I told him that I was not capable of doing such a role. I feel I contributed a little to the success of that film. I worked very hard on the dancing aspect. I think I was adequate and not brilliant. But it was the unexpectedness of it. He then approached me for Gupt. But I had other commitments at that time. He then approached me for Mohra and asked me if I wanted to play a villain. Rajiv thought of making my character in Mohra a cripple, but I suggested that we make him blind.

That's how Mohra happened. That launched the careers of Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty. Then came Asambhav. He offered me the role of a play boyish, flamboyant kind of character. Its quite different form what I have done before in terms of characterization and appearance. I dyed my hair blonde. I wore a lot of cool clothes. I play a cheerful, witty character in Asambhav. My character is slightly wicked who of course turns out to be good in the end. I'm with Rajiv in anything he does. I admire him. He is very warm and compassionate and he's also a successful filmmaker, which is a very rare combination.

The music of the film is extremely contemporary. You've also recorded a song for the film. Did you agree to sing instantly or did you have to be cajoled?
(Laughs) Rajiv Rai does not have to cajole me to do anything. I cannot forget the fact that he has given me 2 box-office hits in my entire career of 250 films. How I've survived sometimes is a mystery to myself. I don't participate in any singing, but in this movie I've sung a song. It's more of speaking. It's a rap number. It was great fun to do that.


Asambhav is essentially a thriller with the theme of espionage. How well do you think it will work with the audience?
A film on espionage was made in the 60's called Aankhen. Then there was Farz, which had a James bond kind of theme. The audience has been exposed to the theme of espionage and they will like it. There's something about the theme that excites the audience. Asambhav is a thriller. It has songs, action, adventure and an espionage theme. Then you have Arjun Rampal as James bond. His character, combined with mine and Priyanka's should create an interesting package for the audience. Its all set to be a box office hit. James Bond is in fashion. I was telling Mr. Sean Connery that if he came to India, he'd have a huge fan following. He'd be mobbed in India, more than he is mobbed in England.

When one thinks of Naseeruddin Shah, films like Masoom, Monsoon Wedding and Ijazat come to mind. You'll now be seen in Asambhav. As an actor, do deglamourized roles appeal to you more or negative, funny characters with shades of black, white and grey?
I've never selected roles simply because they are glamorous. I have realized one thing in my career and that is I cannot survive on the basis of glamour or attractiveness. The attractiveness lies in the truth I can bring to my performances. I don't fool my self by saying I am a glamorous actor. Glamour has never been an essential component of my work. I'm flattered when I'm offered a glamorous role like in Asambhav. I've recently done two pretty unglamorous roles. In the first film Akooni, I play a crazy Parsi guy. Saif plays the main lead. The second film, called Farzania, is about a Parsi family caught in the midst of riots. The film is not about riots. It's how this family gets affected when their son gets lost. I must be excited by the roles I get. I think such roles are getting fewer and further considering the stage I am in and my age. Characters have to be intellectually stimulating.

There are a lot of youngsters in the film. Were you reminded of your 'days' when you were doing what they are doing now?
No (smiles). That's a dangerous trap to fall into. Everybody I meet keeps reminding me of Jalwa and so on. But that's in the past. I treasure those memories. But I don't live in the past. I look into the future.

How was it working with Tom Alter?
Tom and me have been friends for thirty years. We've also worked on stage together and we've aged together. And I'll always enjoy his company. He taught me how to play tennis. (Laughs).

Any incidents that occurred on the sets and you would like to share with us?
No particular incident occurred on the sets of the film. I had friends like Tom Alter. I also made friends with the younger chaps. It was fun working on the whole. I learnt a lot, enjoyed a lot.

Everyone looks up to you as an actor. Is there anyone you look upto?
In the Indian film industry, I'm afraid no! But I admire the younger set of actors who have come in the last 10-15 years. I really admire them because they have made it on their own. Look at the careers of Shahrukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and actors like Irfan Khan and Boman Irani. I think they are marvelous actors. They have not made it in the industry because they are the sons of some famous actors. They've made it because of their talent and their abilities. I must say I admire them because they have brought a certain system of discipline in the film industry today.

What would your comments be on the film industry today?
It's becoming much slicker on the surface but I don't think we are making any progress in terms of content. We're just doing the same old stories.