THE BIG STORY
film celebrities without their permission, but no
one follows etiquette. Earlier, people would share
moments, now, it has become impersonal; it’s
not about the person in question as much as it
is about clicking them. Many people don’t even
look me in the eye and say hello, they just come,
stand next to me, and take a selfie. It’s rude! Be
it at the gym or at a restaurant, I am constantly
being videographed. In fact, even during live
performances, most audience members don’t
even look at me, they are busy recording. Camera
phones have made it messy.Then, how is that you’re always
patient and forthcoming when it
comes to paparazzi?
I am a special case because I never became a huge
star in my head. I’m still the kid with stars in his
eyes who is in disbelief that he even became
a star. Priyanka (Chopra Jonas) always tells me,
‘Tu wo ladka hai jisko yakeen hi nahin ho raha hai
ki wo star bann gaya. Jo aaj bhi bolta hai ‘mummy,
main star bann gaya, dekho ye log meri photo
lena chahte hain (laughs).’ However, of late, my
workload has increased, and I am short on time;
this is also changing my demeanour.Your sartorial sense attracts love and
hate in equal measure. How do you deal
with negative comments?
I’m entertained and find them amusing.
I post memes that others have made out of
my appearances.Are you never offended?
Why would I be? I’m wearing a certain outfit
because it makes me happy. Why should I grudge
somebody else’s perspective? Let’s say, I turn up
donning a psychedelic floral outfit from head-to-
toe, and the individual who is criticising me is
in a white T-shirt and jeans. He says, ‘Look, how
garish.’ I can turn around and tell him, ‘Look, how
boring!’ I dress according to my mood. Frankly,
I often end up dressing conventionally, but that
doesn’t get written, noticed, or even talked about.
It’s like the Goal Keeper Syndrome—he might
make 20 good saves, no one says anything, but if
he messes up once, it’s the only thing that will be
spoken about.How would you describe your cinema?
I want to be a part of a big screen spectacle. Today,
people can sit in the comfort of their homes and
watch an engaging series, and one can’t denyand emotional beats, and recognition is coming
my way now more than ever before. Fans have
been able to see diverse characters such as
Alauddin Khilji (Padmaavat), Sangram ‘Simmba’
Bhalerao (Simmba) and Murad (Gully Boy), all in
a span of 14 months. I hope to continue this way.What is the flip side of being a celebrity?
It can sap your energy, especially in current times
where most people have mobile phones with
cameras. One doesn’t get a moment to breathe
or switch off. Right before this interview, as I was
finishing my business in the public restroom,
a man asked me for a picture. Let me tell you,
it’s more common than you think!How do you react to such situations?
I’ve made peace with them; there’s no other way
to deal with these scenarios. Like in this case,
you ask the person to allow you to finish your
business, step out of the restroom, and take
a picture. Also, I don’t think it’s right to click“I’M STILL THE KID
WITH STARS IN HIS
EYES WHO IS IN
DISBELIEF THAT
HE EVEN BECAME
A STAR.”
MUSTARD AND BLACK BEADED BOMBER,`44,950, SHIVAN &NARRESH; VELVET NAVY BLUE T-SHIRT,`3,299, FILA; BRICKCOLORED PANTS, PRICE ON REQUEST, SUNIL MEHRA