Excerpts from the interview:

Q. You're going to be directed by your dad?

A. That's right. We're looking at starting very soon. I've pushed him for years to take this plunge as a director. He has all these lovely scripts lying around that only his family knows about. I really wanted him to direct me... He has finally come up with something he thinks will do justice to both of us. I'm very excited about working with dad.

Q. Did the irony of your break-up with Kareena and the success of "Jab We Met" strike you?

A. It's too glaring for me not to notice it. But that's life for you. I've always accepted what life gives you. I think what defines my life is not what happens to me but how I deal with it.

Q. Do questions on Kareena make you uncomfortable?

A. No. It's been a year now. The pain has receded. I know that as an actor I'm not allowed to have complete privacy even if I wanted to. I try to keep my personal life to myself. I want to stay connected with the person I am. Sometimes in our world we're pulled into an illusory state. I'll do as much as possible to uphold my privacy.

Q. Is Sania Mirza a part of your private space?

A. I don't like talking about her. But we do know each other and we're friends. A lot of people have been speculating about my personal life. And I've always said I'm a normal person. If I'm in a relationship, I won't be sitting alone. I'll go out with the person I'm in a relationship with. So people will know if something is on.

Q. Since you're seen with Sania, can one conclude you're seeing her?

A. I go out with a lot of friends. But she's a well-known face. So when I'm seen with her it becomes a matter of discussion.

Q. Did the light-hearted mood of "Kismat Konnection" help you get over the break-up with Kareena?

A. More than the film, I had my family and friends who helped me get over that phase. I don't think a film can do it for me.

Q. New younger talent has come in after you. Do you still feel like a new kid on the block?

A. Not so new. But I hope to play 'boy' roles until I'm 40. Other actors are doing it. So why not me? I'm very happy being young. I started at 23. I couldn't have asked for more. I'm quite happy playing the college student. As an actor I'm looking for good actors...boy or man is secondary.

Q. You don't have a group of directors to work with?

A. I don't keep working with the same set of directors. Of course it's great to work in the comfort zone. I like going from a Sooraj Barjatya to an Imtiaz Ali. Or from Imtiaz, who's 30-plus, to Aziz Mirza, who's 60-plus. And now I've gone to Vishal. The only guy I've worked with more than once is Ken Ghosh. Now we're doing our third film together. I also have my first film with Yash Raj Films where I co-star with Rani Mukerji.

Q. Wouldn't you look mismatched with her?

A. That's what I was told when I did "Kismat Konnection" with Vidya Balan. But if the film and characters work, the doubts will disappear.

Q. Finally, what have you learnt from life?

A. Expect anything.