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‘I don’t believe in being a director’s actor’

I couldn’t resist becoming an actor: My passion for acting is very strong and I take it quite seriously. Whoever has seen the rushes of Rock On tells me I’ve done a good job.

When director Abhishek Gupta came to me, I was tempted by the combination of a good script and a musical, that too in my all-time favourite genre, rock. The script also reminded me of my directorial debut, Dil Chahta Hai.

I’ve explored unknown territories: For the first time, I’ve sung for a film and have recorded five songs for Rock On. I’ve always been passionate about music. I’ve been playing the guitar for the past eight years, so I didn’t want to let this opportunity go. In fact, even in Rock On, it wasn’t some random notes that I was playing-I actually strummed the guitar!

Being on camera rather than behind it, is tough: As a director, when I used to be constantly busy, I wondered how actors found time to fiddle with their gizmos and watch movies on the sets. But now, as an actor, even I don’t know what to do when my co-stars are giving their shots because I have so much free time!

I don’t believe in being a director’s actor: Filmmaking is a creative process that requires numerous inputs from various angles. As an actor, you need to take up your queries with the director in order to shed your inhibitions and clear your doubts. If this mutual exchange of ideas doesn’t happen, the confusion will reflect on the screen.

Rock On has its own star power: If people are convinced that Aamir and Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na clicked because of their content, we’re confident that Rock On too will hold its own. Arjun has a huge fan following, so does Prachi, who’s big on the small screen. Purab and Luke Kenny are stars in their own right as VJs.

When I’m not facing the arclights or shooting behind the camera: I travel, play the guitar or spend time with Adhuna and my son. I’m also glad that I have three sane people-my father Javed, Shabana and Honey Irani- when I need sound advice.