By ERAM AGHA

Who stole the chocos from the choco shop? May be Imraan Khan’s choco looks owe a lot to this unusual shop-lifting, since the slabs are expected to have been channelised in giving him this sinfully irresistible chocolate boy appeal.

This 25-year-old, Capricornian is rather focused and serious about his career, and will soon make his presence felt with his debut. So if you’re looking for something refreshingly new, Aamir Khan’s nephew Imraan Khan is sure to be a treat.

For those who didn’t know, Imraan Khan was last seen playing the role of Aamir’s as a child in films like QSQT, and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar where one even saw Imraan’s butt, when while riding a cycle his shorts were pulled off.

And now, Aamir’s playing the good maamu by allowing him and the film maximum promotion. “Maamu has good film sense. If he’s quiet it means he’s happy with the way things are going. But if he comes up with suggestions, that means a certain aspect needs to be checked.” But Imraan is visibly confident because, “Maamu is happy with the film and this gives me immense faith.”

Back from LA after a film-making course, ask him if he ever gave Abbas Tyrewala, the director any suggestions while shooting and the answer is an emphatic, “No. I always knew the story is personal to Abbas. And he was very clear as to what he wants. So I actually just followed his directions rather than give my suggestions.”

But it’s not just Abbas’s style of filmmaking that Imraan admires, “I also admire Vidhu Vinod Chopra for his cinematic vision. When it comes to Chopra, I know he will not come up with a pedestrian story. He will instead go into the depth of a storyline. I apppreciated his film Eklavya – The Royal Guard and would like to work with him.”

But are there any personal favourites among actors in the industry and he’s clear: “Maamu is undoubtedly a real good actor.” But the story doesn’t end here ’coz he also admires “Hrithik Roshan. I haven’t missed out even a single film of his. I follow his works thoroughly because for me he is an object of admiration.”
And yes, all those girls who have been drooling over Imraan after watching him sing, Kabhie kabhie Aditi... hold the thought. For Imraan is not only committed but is serious too about his relationship with his lady love, “Avantika.”

Weren’t you apprehensive about disclosing your love life? “I genuinely don’t think that a person’s personal life can have an effect on his professional one. It’s the quality of work that speaks and not the relationship status.”

So what was her reaction after seeing the final edit piece? “Mmmm.. actually Avantika’s opinion has emotional overtones. She can’t watch the film objectively and she told me that her judgment will be driven by emotions.”

Back to his work, with the verdict on his film to be out soon, he says: “This film means a lot to me. More so, because it’s my debut film I have an emotional connect with it. Add to that, I’ve worked with people in the film I’m connected with and, had respect for their professional careers.”

So what’s next in line? “I’m over with the shooting of Sanjay Gadhvi’s Kidnap and I’m also doing Soham Shah’s Luck where I’m working with Shruti Haasan (Kamal Haasan’s daughter). Here’s wishing you all the ‘luck’ in real life too, Imraan!