You studied at University of Massachusetts at Amherst. What inspired you to join films?
In my junior year, I wanted to produce and direct. I then saw this change that we're talking about now in Indian cinema. Many films that came out at that time were markers -- that this is the way we're going to go. I realised it won't be before long that the way the business was done was going to change too. That dictates a lot of things about the film industry; it is as much about business as it is a creative medium.
I was studying film appreciation and business because I wanted to be a producer and director. I took courses in world cinema, communication courses in relation to film. Because I wanted to direct, I took on acting because that is raw material for a director.
How do people react when they meet you outside India?
I've been in New York, and all the cab drivers -- there are so many Indians driving cabs -- and they just won't take money from me. About nine drivers have not taken money from me. I'm insisting, and insisting, but they want me to talk to their family, their wife, their girlfriend. (laughs), or they want a picture with me. Because we are, in so many ways, their connection with home. That explains the popularity of Hindi cinema abroad. To me, it's humbling.
How do you like New York?
I love the energy of this city. There is a certain humanity here, which I love. There is a certain care and consideration (even though everyone says to the contrary). The great thing about the people in New York is that everyone is just themselves.
You must be asked this a lot, but how did you deal with the pressure of being a star son and then a star.
For me, it was inevitable so I just shut it out. People are going to talk, but if I succeed, make my mark, they would stop talking. And they have.
Succeeding in any business is not going to happen overnight. In our business, it's just that it happens publicly. Mistakes are made publicly, corrections are in public, our work is critiqued, everyone has an opinion on your work, and you could be accepted or rejected. You have to find the courage to look beyond these things and accept everything as a learning experience.
Also Read: 40 facts you didn't know about Akshay
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