From a dutiful son in Meri Jung to a sexy dad in Dil Dhadakne Do to a cop in 24, how do you seamlessly fit into all the type of characters you've played so far?
You are making me emotional. It is so good to hear that. It is only possible if you put your heart and soul into it. When you believe in something, do it to the best of your ability. I am madly into every bit of 24. If I enjoyed the work so much, public ko toh maza ayega hi.
Every sequel comes with its share of expectations, disadvantages and risk factors...how is 24 meeting them?
TV has its share of advantages. People still remember the first season and Jai Singh Rathore. So I have the audience who has seen the show, as well as the new lot of people people who are hearing about it and catching it up online or on DVDs now. So, Season 2 will have an increased viewership. Koi tension nahin.
Image Source: scoopnest
Jai Singh Rathore looks like an anti-hero in the trailer. Why so?
Jai Singh Rathore is grey and real. He has his flaws and he commits mistakes. In this season, he is darker.
Sakshi Tanwar replaced Tabu. Why couldn’t you crack the deal with Tabu?
We couldn't crack it not because of money issues. There was unavailability of dates from Tabu's side. She is definitely going to be in the show in the next season. She is a dear friend of mine. I do not mind paying her 10 times more than her actual fee.
Why didn’t Mandira Bedi continue with the show?
Season 2 is coming after three years. Sakshi plays the role of my boss as there has been a change in the story. So because of the new plot, we couldn’t accommodate Mandira.
Image Source: twitter/Sakshi_Tanwarfc
You have been committed to 24 completely and didn’t take up any films in the past one year, right?
Absolutely, but why should I? When I am doing 24 as the protagonist and the producer as well, I have to set an example na?
Hollywood has evolved in terms of Indian actors making a mark there...like Priyanka in Quantico, Deepika in xXx. Your take on this?
This is nothing. You are seeing this and getting excited? There is lot more to achieve, mark my words. Maza tab ayega, when a young actor gets a great role in the West and becomes a star. That person will just start his career and land up with his first role there... and become a huge star. It will happen, if not now but five years later. And that will be the real success. What is happening is great, but things will get better.
Image Source: Manav Manglani
The teaser of your son Harshvardhan’s debut film Mirziya is out. What do you have to say about his debut?
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra (Mirziya's director) and my son have worked very hard on the film. Many people still don't know that I have a son. They think I have only two daughters (Sonam, Rhea). Harsh is very quiet in nature.
You share a passionate kiss with Surveen in 24 S2...
Aur zyaada hone chahiye the (smiles).
Thumbnail Image Source: twitter/tabufanclub /beingindian