By PRIYANKA DASGUPTA

[B]Is it true that you have always been a fan of science fiction? [/B]
Yes, it is. As a child, I was into writing and making short films. One of the first few films I made was along the lines of Star Wars. I used a handycam to shoot a short film about a few friends and me exploring another planet. People at home were very supportive. Mansoor mamu would advise me on the technical aspects of film-making.

[B]Were you in awe of your uncle, Aamir Khan? [/B]
He is 18 years elder to me. But I was never in awe of him. He was very good at separating professional and personal lives. Ours has been a very relaxed and easy relationship.

[B]Was there anything that you could share only with Aamir and not with your mother? [/B]
No, not really. When I started smoking, my mom was the first person to know about it. Aamir mamu would always tease and rag me as a child. And there were times when I tried to hit back at him too. As for mamu and mom, it was more like an elder sister and younger brother relationship between them. There was no sibling rivalry.

[B]What was your first reaction when you had watched Aamir’s directorial debut? [/B]
I didn’t like it when I watched the first cut of the film. I had told him that I had found it boring. I was told that the first cut of a film is never good. It’s bound to have rough edges since the scenes are not edited
properly.

[B]Did you react similarly when you saw your debut film? [/B]
Oh! yes. I hated it. I thought I was a terrible actor and Abbas (Tyrewala) was a terrible director too. Aamir and Mansoor mamu sat with us and asked us to relax. Finally, it boiled down to accepting their views since they had experience on their side.

[B]It’s a fad to bash critics on blogs now. How are you bracing yourself up against critics and their reviews? [/B]
Critics are very useful. Compliments are of no use to help my growth as an actor. Positive criticism that highlights my flaws will do that job.

[B]Since you are a sci-fi fan, does Harman’s film hold interest for you? [/B]
I’ve always liked science fiction and superhero films. I want to watch Harman’s film. I find no point in pitting myself against Harman. This isn’t a race. Taare Zameen Par released with Welcome and both were hits.

[B]Although Smita Pail-Raj Babbar’s son, Prateik, makes his debut in your film, he is hardly being promoted. How do you rate his future in Bollywood?[/B]
At the character design level in the film, Prateik has a guest appearance. That’s why only the six of us are on the posters. Prateik is a stunning actor and his role has a profound effect in the film.

[B]Can you imagine a debut without a brand like Aamir Khan not promoting you? [/B]
Aamir’s name and production house has a goodwill with the audience. People know that when Aamir is attached to a film, it must be good. At the creative level, I have faith in Abbas’ vision. That’s important for a debut.

[B]How important is the idea of working in a film directed by Aamir? [/B]
Aamir is a fine director. But I wouldn’t blindly want to work in a film because of the director’s name. I must like the script.

[B]Is your girlfriend, Avantika, okay with female adulation that might come along with the success of your film? [/B]
Yes. She’s perfectly cool with that.