'I GET PINCHED BY GIRLS AT DISCOTHEQUES'

The media has given you the title of 'Smooch King'. Don't you think you are not being taken seriously?

Why would I feel like that? I have been getting so much adulation. Also, I think I am a good actor — there are many bad actors around and I think the media should write about it. The Press has been kind to me. However, the problem is that people don't seem to see beyond the kiss. My characters in Footpath and Murder had serious undertones — I also managed to succeed a bit with my performance. I have no issues with smooching if the script demands it. If you want to show intimacy you show it as it is. You can't really change that, can you?

Do you accept that you are unconventional?

Everyone is unconventional in some way or the other. Let me explain you my point. I have always said that I will marry a girl who can keep me happy. If you look at this, it is quite conventional way of a man's thinking. So, one has to understand that sometimes unconventional can be conventional too.

So, is Parveen Sahani, your present girlfriend, the perfect woman?

I admit that I am close to her. She is a pure person. In fact, I can say this without any glitch that she has made me disciplined and a complete man.

Is she possessive of you?

I am sure that she doesn't like my image (laughs). But she is extremely sweet and gives me space.

How does she react to your work?

She never says anything nice and is always criticising me. She keeps pulling me up. But she fondly calls me Dennis the Menace because of my mischievous nature. Frankly, I know she likes me.

Lastly, what attracts you to a woman?

Definitely eyes, hair, smile or her figure. I think a girl with a sense of humour and someone who's simple and comfortable in her skin, is the girl for me.

What is the craziest thing a female fan has done?

I get pinched by girls at discotheques. They just do this to get my attention. I don't mind it as it boosts my ego. I like it, really (smiles).

Do you consider yourself a star?

Popular I definitely am, but I have to prove myself. Because I was from the Bhatt family, I got an easy access in films. But I have to really work hard now. I have a few good films in hand including one with Subhash Ghai, one with Ananth Mahadevan called Aksar, one with Celina Jaitley and many more.