In his just over four-year career in the industry, people have wondered about actor Imran Khan. His debut film, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008) made audiences and critics alike position him, together with Ranbir Kapoor, as a potential successor to today’s Bollywood’s superstars. But somehow, he never quite seemed to live up to that expectation.
That seems set to change this year, when a slew of movies he stars in will release, including those by filmmakers such as Karan Johar, Vishal Bhardwaj, Milan Luthria and Tigmanshu Dhulia. With a wide variety of roles that explore his talent, the good-looking young man stands revealed as a person with a silently-controlled ambition. And as we spend time with him during this exclusive interview at a suburban five-star hotel, we find ourselves pretty impressed with Imran. He’s your boy next door who enjoys stardom, but is pretty sorted in his head. Read on to learn his thoughts on his career, marriage, frustrations, Ranbir Kapoor, filmmaker Mansoor Khan (his uncle) and reviving the legendary Nasir Hussain banner.
What are your plans for 2013?
It’s an interesting year for me. I am enjoying my work. For the first time, I will be supported by big directors as well. Every success I have had so far was given to me by a new guy, who had just begun his career too. I see tremendous benefits in working with high-profile directors. They lend you a lot of confidence with their experience. They shape and guide you.
Are you planning to revive your grandfather Nasir Hussain’s banner?
The banner has been silent since 2000. Nana (Nasir Hussain) passed away and my mama Mansoor Khan (director of movies like Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar; 1992 and Josh; 2000) is not looking into production anymore. There was a time when it was considered a privilege to work in a Nasir Hussain movie. It has a legacy of rich films. I think it would be a tragedy to let it all slip away. Look at Aditya Chopra and Karan Johar — how remarkably they have carried forward their fathers’ legacies. I want to do that for my grandfather. What he has done for our family and the industry is immeasurable.
Is directing also on your agenda?
Certainly, at some point in the future. That was what I had always wanted to do. Right now, I am discovering myself as an actor. I think, for a long time, I didn’t see myself as one. But with Vishal Bhardwaj’s film Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, I have properly seen myself as an actor for the first time. And that’s my focus now.
What’s your equation with Ranbir Kapoor?
Ranbir and I never knew each other even before we came into the industry. We met here. And someone just decided that we were best friends! We are not. He’s a cool guy with whom I can have a proper conversation. I am happy when I meet him. The equation has always been like this. It’s only in the last couple of years that we have got to know each other better. When reports about our falling out emerged in the papers, we called each other up and sorted it out man to man.
Both of you were touted as the next big thing in Bollywood, but Ranbir moved a little ahead of you. Why do you think that happened?
I signed too many films, actually. I did Kidnap (2008) and Luck (2010) very early in my career. These were shot before Jaane Tu… was released. And when you are not in a position of stardom, the offers you get are different than the ones that come after success.
So at that time, I chose films from among whatever was offered to me, and they didn’t work. Anyway, I find it a little strange that films I did four years ago, and which were not successful, are still talked about. Nobody else’s flops are discussed as much as mine are, and nobody talks about the last six successful films that I delivered — Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012), Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011), Delhi Belly (2011), I Hate Luv Storys (2010) and so on.
