Imran Khan
His films may not have made it to the Rs 100 crore club yet but Imran Khan is satisfied with whatever he has done. In his latest venture, he plays a dapper gentleman who falls for a village girl. How love happens and how they finally unite is what Gori Tere Pyaar Mein is all about. Deebashree Mohanty spoke with the young hearthrob. Excerpts from the interview
‘Don’t mind being called item boy’
Tell us more about Gori Tere Pyaar MeinIJ
The film’s poster says it all. I have seen very few films in which the plot is given away by the poster. Gori Tere... is a simple story, told simply. An English babu falls for a desi mem but things don’t fall in place. There are many twists before the couple realises ultimate love. It is a sweet romantic film which will appeal to everyone. Watch out for some special songs. There are four item songs and each is a chartbuster.
You said music is the USP of this film. Please elaborate.
Music is the soul of any film. Pick any blockbuster and you will find that if the film was a hit, uske gaane bhi khaas honge. Music and script go hand-in-hand. In Gori..., we have a good assortment — peppy numbers, soulful melodies and lyrical numbers. I enjoyed shooting for every song in this film.
You had initially refused the film because you thought the plot was done to death...
When director Puneet Malhotra approached me in 2011, I was doing a lot of romantic films and thought this would be just one more in the lot. I also had a lot of date issues and was dying to take a break. I never refused point blank, it took me some time to be convinced. This one was not easy to play.
You play a typical south Indian hero...
My character comes from a conventional Brahmin family down South. Although he has a foreign upbringing, he is hung up on roots. I had a tough time portraying a south Indian babu. From the intonation to the dressing style, everything was a challenge.
This is your second film with Kareena. How’s the chemistry in this oneIJ
According to Puneet, we sizzle in this one too. He had been wanting to cast us together in other projects but nothing happened. He discussed this idea with Karan Johar who took it upon himself to bring us together for this film.
Your last venture at the box office was not a success. Are you nervous about this oneIJ
Once Upon A Time in Mumbai Dobara was a great film to do. I am not ashamed of any movie that I have done. It is a part of life — some films work, others son’t. I have not had any blockbuster to my name but I am satisfied with whatever little praise I have got for my films.
You said in an interview that you wouldn’t mind being called the ‘item’ boy of Bollywood. Is that trueIJ
That’s a great tag to have. I don’t have any inhibitions. If a song is good and the music appealing, I will never say no to an item number. They are fun to do and get noticed even if the film flops. There is an amazing foot-tapping score with Esha Gupta in Gori... which is being talked about. It was an absolutely fun party.
How was it working with Puneet MalhotraIJ
He is very talented. Puneet is an excellent director who knows exactly what he wants and how he wants it. It has been a learning experience for all of us.