Imran Khan may seem like a true blue romantic hero. But there’s more to him than meets the eye. Yes, his last few films haven’t fared well at the box-office but movies like Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara and Delhi Belly are proof that he has made brave career choices. His romcoms Break Ke Baad and Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu too haven’t been stereotypical fares. It’s pretty clear that Imran Khan is more than the average chocolate hero. He’s also known for his sartorial savvy. One of the smartest actors around, he doesn’t feed on his ‘star’ image. In fact, he appears to neither need nor want the constant attention. He even casually downplays his stop-n-stare looks – commendable in an industry that thrives on vanity. Also, a conversation with Imran Khan is never rehearsed. He’s articulate and his informal eloquence comes as a refreshing change. Excerpts from an intimate conversation…
Q. How would you describe your journey so far?
(Smiles) I’ve become a calmer and more confident person. Acting and appearing in public does that to you. This industry helps you develop a thicker skin and a cooler attitude. Whatever happens, whatever people speak about you ceases to matter.
Q. But it’s never easy to deal with disappointment…
I am practical to a fault. So no matter what happens, I am able to distill it down to its bear essence quickly. If something has gone wrong or is going wrong with a film, Avantika (Malik, wife) panics. But I don’t. If you’ve done your best and things aren’t working out there’s nothing you can do about it. What’s the point of freaking out? My sense of detachment rattles Avantika at times but since there’s nothing I can do about it, I accept it. Crying and stressing over it accomplishes absolutely nothing. I let go and move forward. I don’t believe in damaging myself. Your attitude to a problem is the only thing you can control.
Q. You’ve experimented with your roles and genres. Will you ever do a sex thriller?
Sex thrillers always end up looking sleazy. Somehow we don’t treat sex maturely in this country. It’s either sleazy or humorous, when it should actually be treated like a natural human emotion. If I get a good script, it’ll be a great space to be in. It’s a compelling genre.
