AKSHAYE KHANNA TALKS TO RADIO SARGAM
Puja Vedi Interviews The Star

Akshaye Khanna's career has been given a new lease of life thanks to the success of Dil Chahta Hai. All eyes are on him once again to find out whether he will deliver in his follow-up, the Abbas Mastan thriller Humraaz, which has now hit the big screen. Radio Sargam talked to Akshaye during the British premiere of the film in Leicester Square, London…

What was it like working in Humraaz?
"I wanted to work with Abbas-Mustan for a very long time, so I saw this as a great opportunity. It was a very good experience working with them, they are wonderful, cultured people. There was always a good atmosphere on the set and it was always a pleasure. They also gave me the part of the bad guy and everything just seemed right."

What was it like playing a negative character for the first time in your career?
"It was a very challenging change for me, since I've never done anything like it before. I'm open to doing any kind of role as I want to show my versatility as an actor."

After doing this negative role, are you afraid of being typecast as a villain?
"No, not really. I like trying new things to surprise myself and also give my fans something different, rather than play a romantic character all the time."

What was it like working with Bobby and Amisha?
"It was really good fun and we became really good friends. Amisha is very professional and Bobby and I really bonded. I think we all managed to build a rapport, which I think shows onscreen as well."

What are the strengths of Humraaz?
"Well it's a thriller that delivers. It has plenty of twists and turns and it grabs your interest and holds it until the very end. To find out more you'll just have to see the movie."

Do you think audiences are expecting more from you after the success of Dil Chahta Hai?
"I think people expect the best from me anyway, because I expect the best from me, regardless of the success of previous movies."

Do you think your image change in Dil Chahta Hai helped in attracting attention from other directors?
"The change of my image in DCH was something the director wanted. If in future projects the director wants to change something again, then it's something i'm willing to do if that's what the role requires."

What are your future projects?
"In October I have Dewaangi with Ajay Devgan and we are still shooting for LOC, which is about the Kargil incident, but it should be out by next year."

Who's your Humraaz?
"Wouldn't you like to know?! (Laughs)"