Professionally, do you believe you’re
on the right track now?
I will not lie. My last few Fridays
have been a reality check. I take
responsibility without saying,
‘mujhse galti ho gayi.’ It’s an
introspective responsibility. I’ve
analysed it. Thankfully, my producers
didn’t lose money. So at least that
way we can move on and also learn
from it. I’d like to believe I’m at a
good point considering the kind of
work I’m chasing. But that does not
mean I’m comfortable and relaxed.
My aspiration is way higher. I want
to be able to carry films on my
shoulders with ease. For that you
need box-office credibility. You need
to be saleable enough to do films
following your conviction. I’m in a
good place where I’ve re-energised
myself, refocused myself working
with disciplined directors. I’ve much
more clarity about my vision of the
future. At the same time, I don’t want
to plan too much. I just want to let
things unfold gradually.
When you see your colleagues giving
100-crore hits does it make you
insecure, considering your last few
movies haven’t done well?
I’ve enjoyed my success. So if
I enjoyed my success and if others
enjoyed it with me, then I better enjoy
their success too. This industry is a
leveller. Today when Vicky Kaushal
is doing well, I cannot take away
the fact that he’s struggled to reach
here. I’m not an insecure person. I’m
a collaborative person. My second
film was Aurangzeb with Prithviraj
Sukumaran, Jackie Shroff and Rishi
comfortable space where I say no to
films I don’t want to do. I’m grateful
for that. Do I crave to get better? Yes,
I’ll be the first person to admit that
I’ve not looked my best for the last
few years. I’ve tried to do everything
in my power but things take time
to pan out. Also, I’ve made some
choices when I could’ve deviated
from the norm and taken risks. But
you live and learn.What choices are you talking about?
I did Namaste England thinking it’s
a much-loved franchise and that it’s
a simple, sweet film, which people
will enjoy. But we should have
worked harder on making it a better
film rather than just celebrating
the franchise part of it. I’m equally
responsible for the film’s failure
because I green-lit it. It was written
for Akshay (Kumar) sir. So, the
writing had to be redone for me.Why has Sandeep Aur Pinky
Faraar been delayed?
It’s ready. Earlier, we’d announced
March 1 as the release date. The
release of Luka Chuppi was
announced for the same day. Its
trailer was on air. Then Sonchiriya,
which was releasing in February,
got shifted to March 1. How could
we have three films on one day?
Especially, Sandeep Aur Pinky
(opposite Parineeti Chopra), which
needs multiplex eyeballs. Since
we hadn’t released the trailer, Adi
(Aditya Chopra) said, “Why get into
this fight? Let them release.” Later, we
were clashing with my own India’s
Most Wanted. Adi said, “I can’t askI’M CAPABLE OF LOOKING
BETTER... THE AUDIENCE EXPECTS
ME TO LOOK THE WAY I LOOKED
WHEN I STARTED OUT. BUT
I’VE HAD HEALTH ISSUES.
I COME FROM A SLIGHTLY
OBESE CHILDHOOD... THAT
COMES WITH ITS OWN AILMENTS.
I BATTLE WITH THEM CONSTANTLYKapoor. Gunday and 2 States had
an ensemble cast. Yes, you have
moments of insecurity where you
wish you were doing better. That’s
natural. But by wishing others ill, you
cannot do well. Insecurity should
drive you to do better – improve the
way you look, the way you think,
your performance – rather than leave
you bitter.Please continue...
I’m working with directors like
Dibakar Banerjee, Raj Kumar Gupta
and Ashutosh Gowariker. I’m in ae’s all smiles for the moment. His latest, India’s Most Wanted, may not have got the numbers. It’s got him
critical acclaim. It will suffice for now. Finally, good scripts are coming his way, claims Arjun Kapoor. Finally,
he believes he’s in a position to say no to movies. Finally, he says he has reenergised and refocused himself.
He’s in the throes of shooting for Panipat. A movie that has been physically difficult to shoot. Doing fight scenes
in the hot sun, wearing an armour weighing 10 kilos, requires some discipline. It’s been satisfying. And Arjun
believes he’s imbibed that discipline working with a director like Ashutosh Gowariker. He excitedly shows me his look in
the film. Truly, he looks a warrior Peshwa. Tall and well-built oozing royalty.
But what has really put him in blithe spirits is his personal life. It’s on even keel. He’s come out with his relationship
with Malaika Arora. He talks about her for the first time here. He praises the media for being understanding vis-a-vis his
relationship. His family has been supportive of his choice too. Of course, it’s early days as far as marriage is concerned.
He claims they’re still discovering each other in the public space. He wants to take it easy from here on. Having found
peace in his personal life, he’s now raring to go in his professional life too. Things he believes are only going to get better
from here. Amen to that. Excerpts from a freewheeling conversation:
India's Most
Wanted