Imran Khan is back, break ke baad!

Imran Khan will romance the beautiful Deepika Padukone in his new film Break Ke Baad, directed by first-timer Danish Aslam. It will release this Friday.

The actor tells Sonil Dedhia about his new romantic film, and what it was like kissing his heroine.

What made you take up Break Ke Baad?

When Danish first narrated the script to me, I didn't like it and refused to do it. I started shooting for I Hate Luv Stories.

After some months, I bumped into Danish again and he told me that he had made several changes in the script and would like me to read it again. I read it and loved it. So I agreed to do it.

Tell us about your character in the movie.

I play Abhay Gulati, who is not ambitious and doesn't have a focus in his life. The only thing important in his life is Aliya. They have been friends since childhood and this friendship gradually blossoms into love.

The girl is very ambitious and career-minded, and that's what leads to them splitting up. She goes to Australia. After some time, he realises he has to get her back and follows her there. That also makes him realise what he wants to do in life.

How much can you relate to your character?

I never wanted to become an actor. That was probably the last thing on my mind. I wanted to work in the movies but as a director. I took formal training for that in Los Angeles. I came back to Mumbai and met people to find work. During this time, I met Abbas Tyrewala. He gave me the script of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, and I loved it. He was very convinced that I was the right guy. The rest is history.

You have been working with mostly debutant directors. Any particular reason?

That was not a conscious decision. I just see how excited the director is about the film and how he can engage me in it. It feels good to work with young directors who have fresh ideas. At the end of the day, I am very clear about my work as an actor. And I am very interested in working with people who I get on with.

How was it working with Deepika Padukone?

I didn't know Deepika before I started shooting the film. She is very focused. She would know her lines when she'd come on the sets. She knows exactly how she is going to play her scene. She is very sorted.

On a personal front, I think she is very humble and down-to-earth. She's become a dear friend, possibly more than any of my other co-stars.

There is a kissing scene in the movie. Was your fianc e Avantika comfortable with that?

It is a little awkward to do these scenes. We shot this scene during the second or the third week of our schedule. Deepika and I hardly knew each other then. It's hard to make the scene romantic because it's so clinical, and because of that, the whole process gets strange. 

But I don't think Avantika had any apprehensions for this scene because she is mature enough to understand that it is a part of the film.

What do you think about long distance relationships?

If you want your relationship to work, you have to be together. I had been a long distance relationship back when I was in school but it didn't work out. Once you are in a relationship, you want your partner to be around whenever you need him/her.

I am a little pessimistic when it comes to long distance relationships. 

A lot of people believe that Imran Khan is made only for romantic films.

It's unfair to say that the film didn't work because people expect you in a certain way. Ultimately, it's the film doesn't work because it's lacking somewhere. You can't blame an actor or director if it doesn't work.

I don't like to contain myself to a particular genre because that's not good for me.

But both your action films didn't work at the box office.

Only two of my films have worked, and they were romantic films. The two films that didn't work were unfortunately action films. Ultimately, one has to wait for a good film. Nobody can promise that if Imran Khan had not done Luck or Kidnap, the films would have been superhits. So it is wrong to stereotype someone.

You seemed to share a good relationship with Ranbir in Koffee With Karan. How close are you guys really? Would you socialise with him? Any plans of doing a film together

We hosted an award show last year and after that, both of us got busy with our work. Just because we didn't hangout together doesn't mean that we had a fallout. I was glad that we could do Koffee with Karan together, and put all speculation to rest.

As long as I know I haven't been offended or haven't offended anyone, then I am fine. I don't think I need to go and clarify any rumours spread by the media. If something comes our way, we would love to do a film together.

Does it help to come from a family who's a part of the industry?

It is beneficial and helps you to a certain extent. At the end of the day, I have to prove myself. People like Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone don't have a (filmi) background but have still made it big. On the other hand, there are people who have not done well in spite of having a family background in the industry. 

What next?

I am shooting for Yash Raj Films' Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Karan Johar's Short Term Shaadi with Kareena Kapoor. There is also Delhi Belly.