While most of us grew up loving Aamir Khan, Imran Khan hated him!

The young actor, who makes his debut in Abbas Tyrewala's Jaane Tu... Yaa Jaane Na, started getting along with his Aamir mamu only when he became older.

For those who're wondering who exactly Imran is, read on. Grandfather Nasir Husain directed films like Dil Deke Dekho, Yaadon Ki Baarat and Caravan. His uncle (mother Nusrat's cousin) Mansoor Khan directed films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Jo Jeeta Woh Sikander and Josh. His other uncle (mother's brother) Aamir Khan needs no introduction.

Now, it's time for Imran to prove himself in Jaane Tu.

Imran chats with Patcy N, and talks about his film and why he hated Aamir as a child.

[B]Tell us about yourself.[/B]
I've always wanted to do something related to the movies. I did a course at the New York Film Academy, on writing and directing. I became an actor by accident.

[B]How?[/B]
The casting director of Jaane Tu, Pakhi [who is also Abbas Tyrewala's wife], told me that Abbas was looking for someone to play the protagonist of his film. She asked me to audition for the film. I went for it because I liked his earlier work. I took a liking for Abbas in that first meeting itself. I liked the film, so I thought of giving it a shot.
[B]
Why didn't you ask your family to launch you?[/B]
I never thought of becoming an actor, so the idea of launch never came up. Also, as a family, we never think of a 'hero' launch. We see filmmaking from the creative side. You need a good story and a good director, then you look for an actor who suits that role.

[B]But didn't Aamir Khan get a 'hero' launch?[/B]
Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak was not designed as a launch for him. My grandfather had written a script, and Mansoor Khan wanted to direct it. They felt Aamir mamu would be a good choice.

[B]Jaane Tu took three years to take off. Did that frustrate you?[/B]
Yes, it was a frustrating time. But in all this time spent in the industry, I realised that nothing happens on time. There are always delays and setbacks -- from the scripting stage to direction. So instead of looking for deadlines, we should look at film on the whole.

[B]Like Aamir, did you harbour the dream of directing too?[/B]
After I graduated from the film school, I worked in Los Angeles as a camera operator. The company I worked in was making a television show. But after two episodes, the show was rejected by the channel, and that was end of it. So I returned to India.

[B]What did you do next?[/B]
I started meeting people. I had written some sample themes, so I met some creative heads at television channels. They used my scripts without paying me, or giving me credit. I got very angry and frustrated about that.

[B]But you are Aamir Khan's nephew. Didn't that help?[/B]
No. Nobody knew I existed. The fact that I exist came as a shock to the people in the film industry. I didn't tell people.

[B]What is Jaane Tu about?[/B]
It's about how young love turns into real love. It's a romantic comedy. When you're in college, you have a certain idea of love. As you grow older and get mature, that idea changes.

[B]Does Jaane Tu have the same kind of love that you share with your girlfriend, Avantika?[/B]
No. When I started seeing Avantika, I was older. So our relationship is quite different. When Jaane Tu starts, we're 16-17 years old.
[B]
How was your working experience with Genelia?[/B]
We hit it off right from day one. We understood our styles of working together.
[B]
Working with Abbas Tyrewala?[/B]
Abbas is a very cool director. He does not dominate. We have been through so much together that we share a very close relationship. We're like brothers.

[B]Abbas said you were just like Jai Rathore, your character on screen. The only difference is that you're shy. Is that true?[/B]
I am not shy. But there is a certain amount of flamboyance in Jai's character that is not there in me. I am fairly reserved and it was difficult to be flamboyant on screen. After a few days of shooting, Abbas told me to play Jai as though I was one drink down.

[B]You wore a sari in the film. Were you comfortable?[/B]
I thought it was ridiculous! I thought Abbas lost his mind. I told him I am the hero of the film, how can you make me wear a sari? But he convinced me.

[B]Since you were related to the producer, did you get any special treatment?[/B]
As a family, we are very good at separating personal and professional life. So I didn't get any extra attention to make sure that I was okay, and everyone else was neglected.

[B]Did you put in any extra effort since it was a home production?[/B]
Not really. I made it a point to be around but it was because of Abbas. Abbas and I went to Aamir Khan Productions to ask them to produce the film. I always thought of myself as Abbas' partner. I would hang around with Abbas, and also learn from him.
[B]
Tell us about your relation with Aamir and Mansoor Khan.[/B]
Aamir and Mansoor were never famous people for me. They were Aamir mamu and Mansoor mamu. Both of them would take delight in harassing me when I was young so I didn't like them. They were very irritating uncles.

Only after I grew up, they changed and I started getting along with them. We would chat a lot. They are men of extraordinary intelligence. It is always interesting to be around people like that because there is so much to be learned.

[B]What next?[/B]
I have just finished Sanjay Gadhvi's Kidnap, which also stars Sanjay Dutt and Minnisha Lamba. My character has grey shades. It was difficult for me to play it. It made me a little uncomfortable.

Then I have Sohan's Luck, opposite Shruti Haasan. It is an adventure film with lots of action.

[B]Do you take Aamir's advice when you select films?[/B]
No. Aamir mamu told me that I should figure it out myself. He says I must choose my own scripts.

[B]How do you unwind?[/B]
I read books and watch movies. I've seen movies back to back, and even read three or four books at a time.
[B]
What are you reading right now?[/B]
I am reading graphic novel call Watchman. I am a big fan of comic books.
[B]
What kind of films do you like to watch?[/B]
All kind of films. Until recently, I never watched Hindi films; I only watched English films. But in the three years that I've been working in the industry, I have made it a point to watch Hindi films. It's really embarrassing to be caught off guard when people are talking about certain films and I say I haven't seen it.

[B]Didn't you watch your grandfather and uncle's films as a child?[/B]
Yes, I watched my family's films because the tapes were always at home. Later, I would watch Mansoor mamu and Aamir mamu's movies at trial shows. But I would never go to theatres and watch other Hindi films.