Excerpts:
 Q:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the film is called "New York";
why were you shooting it in Philadelphia?
A: Because the topography is similar. A lot of
films located in New York are actually shot in Philadelphia. I
was shooting for three long months and if it wasn't for my parents
and brother and sister-in-law and Bipasha visiting, I'd have gone
crazy. When they all came to see me, I stopped feeling homesick.
I was away for so long sometimes when I woke up I forgot where
I was. Before Philadelphia, I was in Miami shooting for "Dostana"
for three months.
Q: Homesick?
A: Now I go to Boston for Abbas Tyrewala's film.
When I'm away what I miss most is the home-cooked food. My parents
were over, but I wouldn't let my mom cook here. I pampered her,
looked after her like a little baby. That's what one is supposed
to do with one's parents, specially when they get old, no? I think
I'll take them to Boston too. Dad is an architect; so he loves
to check out the buildings and architecture. But before Boston
I come back to Mumbai to do a film "Hook Ya Crook" with
David Dhawan..
Q: You're a good son.
A: I'd really want to believe I'm a good son.
Q: How was the shooting in Philadelphia?
A: Gruelling, but very satisfying. I shot the
most emotionally and physically exhausting scenes of my life.
Frankly, I haven't done an action film since "Dhoom".
It's a genre I really enjoy. "New York" has very effective
action. I not only had a lot of running around to do, but I enjoyed
myself. At this point of my career I just want to push myself
beyond the limits.
Q: By wearing the briefest briefs and
giving an interview on why you wore it!
A: Oh, that was an endorsement for "Dostana".
And, besides, I'm never ashamed of talking about my body. Though
at times I do feel like a meat shop.
Q: So why go on and on about your body?
A: I am proud of my physique. But I feel I'm
also good with emotions. In fact, I perform the best when I'm
unhappy. I function best when in angst.
Q: Happy to be a gay icon?
A: I've been told that. And I accept it very
graciously. But women have reacted as strongly to me in "Dostana"
as men. Some have reacted to the sensuality; others to the fitness.
But everyone has a query about my body. Very often I don't know
how to react. Initially, it was fun to be regarded as a body beautiful.
I wonder how audiences will react to my physicality in my next
release "Aashayein" where I've lost 30 pounds.
Q: "New York" is your second
film with Kabir Khan?
A: I loved doing "Kabul Express" with
Kabir. I loved shooting in Afghanistan. I'm a sucker for pain
and agony. Now I'd love to shoot in Iraq. My grandfather was from
Iran. My mother's cousins are in Iran.
Q: Neil Nitin Mukesh, who's shooting
with you in Philadelphia, has great respect for you.
A: He's like my younger brother. I love him for
the fact that he dotes on his parents. He's a wonderful kid with
a great future. We spend a lot of time together.
Q: Is Deepa Mehta's "Luna"
with Rachel Weisz off?
A: Deepa and I haven't spoken about it. As for
"Komagata Maru", I'd still be willing to play the other
lead because it's as important as Akshay Kumar's role. It's always
a pleasure working with Akshay. He's a very positive person. We
get along beautifully.
Q: What else have you signed?
A: Only Abbas Tyrewala's film. Beyond that I
haven't really opened my account book, I'm happy doing films I'm
completely convinced about. I'd love to work with Anurag Kashyap
again (after 'No Smoking'). I can talk to him for hours. Like
me he's happy doing his own thing. I'm an off-roader while other
actors are on the highway.
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