You’ve been to Hollywood and back. What’s your takeaway?

Whatever you do challenges you, it brings out your best. And when you are doing something new you get more charged up. Everything abroad is on another level. When I was doing Slumdog Millionaire, I never really imagined it would connect worldwide.


How do they react to an outsider like you?

I am not a threat to anyone. So the reception I got was unbiased. After so many years I feel like a newcomer.


How does the West view us? What could they learn from us?

They are very good listeners. They want to absorb every molecule of information that you can give them. They will show equal passion towards any country that could be a lucrative option for them.
Exciting times for you. But what really drives you? You mentioned you are restless all the time, like a newcomer. I’ve been fortunate. I’ve always had challenges thrown at me. My accessibility and my normalcy have been a big advantage for me.


What’s your take on stardom? The highs, the lows. You’ve seen it all.

I don’t take it seriously. If you read my interviews down the years I’ve always maintained I don’t know what stardom is. The trick is not taking yourself too seriously or analyzing things too much.


So do you watch out for Sonam a lot? Do you think things are a lot different than they were in the ‘80s and ‘90s?Are things different?

I really haven’t noticed. I’ve never gone into a ‘humhare dinon mein’ tune. I honestly can’t see any difference. I just say go with the flow, enjoy yourself.


Is there any advice Sonam has given you that you’ve taken to heart?

I tend to get very carried away sometimes and she keeps me in check. Sonam is good for others and not so good for herself. She said in an interview with Filmfare that you are like Steve Martin in Father Of The Bride. That you will never approve of any guy she dates… Aisa kuch nahin hai. It’s not true at all. I don't disapprove of her choices. Being in a relationship or having a boyfriend is a normal part of life. As a father you learn to detach yourself, you learn to accept it.


When the Koffee With Karan episode about Ranbir Kapoor happened did you feel the need to tackle it or advise her? Nothing really happened, did it? You don’t think that was a controversy or a big deal?

No. The only time I felt she shouldn’t have reacted the way she did was over Shobhaa De’s negative comments on I Hate Luv Storys.


In that case what’s your take on Rishi Kapoor’s strong reaction to the KWK episode towards Sonam and Deepika Padukone?

Everyone has different personalities and reacts differently. I am nobody to say if he overreacted.
You seem very stoic... I am. Things happen and then people forget. For instance he said he would never work with Karan Johar again and now he is doing Agneepath.


Are you more conscious about your image now that your children are grown up? You wouldn’t do a kiss like you did in Musafir anymore?

As an actor there is a tendency to get carried away. And then the family keeps me in check. I can’t make my choices thinking ‘India mein kya sochenge’.


Your son Harsh also wants to be an actor? Are you advising him on that?

It’s really very early to talk about Harsh. I don’t want to put him in the spotlight at the moment.


Your marriage is one of the long standing ones in the industry. What’s the secret?

In any relationship, especially marriage it is when you do things selflessly that you succeed. But when you are self centered then there is trouble. The sacrifices we made are mutual.


Would you be worried if Sonam dated or married an actor?

No, why? I am an actor. There have been actors who have been wonderful husbands. As long as she finds someone worthy who will keep her happy, I’ll be happy.


You are still one of the best kept men in the industry. What’s your take on Botox or nips and tucks?

See, you should always try your best to be naturally fit and look young. But ultimately an actor’s job is to look good. So if you need to resort to other methods I guess there’s nothing wrong.


You produced No Problem and the movie came in for loads of flak. What makes you choose a script like that?

As a producer I’m still learning. Since I come from a production family my understanding is better than that of others. Also I am a successful actor and I have access to the industry. But I still have a long way to go.