It has been a while since Ishq Vishk released. Why the gap? Didn't you want to capitalise on the euphoria you generated when it released?

Frankly, I wasn't too sure whether I had done the right thing by taking such a long lay-off. At times, it can go against an actor. But the kind of response and emotions we are getting after the promos hit the tube is phenomenal. So I guess I took the right decision.

The correct answer to this will, of course, evolve only after we know the public's response at the ticket counters.

How did Fida happen?

After Ishq Vishk succeeded, there was a lot of speculation. People were expecting Ken Ghosh and me to get together again, go on the same lines and make another hit. But we were keen to do something different.

When Ken told me about this script, I was floored. That's how Fida happened. It's a romantic thriller, but something like this has never been attempted before.

I know what you mean. And I know I have taken a risk. But if I keep doing repetitive stuff, I don't think I will grow as an actor. So if I have been lucky enough to get something which is different and good at the same time so early in my career, why should I shun it? Just because I am planning some image? Excuse me, that's not how I function!

Tell us about your character in Fida?

I am under strict orders not to reveal anything. All I can say is that I am not playing a romantic collegian. There is a lot of emotional content, a lot of heavy duty performance.

(Interrupts) I do prepare myself to get into the skin of the character, but it was not easy. It was very challenging to undergo the gamut of expressions that my character undergoes through the film.

He has grown in his art by leaps and bounds. He is far more focused than before, open to suggestions from all quarters and ever willing to correct his mistakes.

Ishq Vishk was a simple narrative. Fida is a very stylised film. Anyone who has seen Ishq Vishk will notice the difference. Fida is as much a director's film as an actor's film.

(Interrupts) There is not an iota of truth in this matter. I am the same cool and friendly Shahid that I was.

Apparently, you were also insecure about Kareena and Fardeen's friendship during the making of Fida and passed some uncharitable comments against Fardeen?

Absolutely false! I am not a fool to feel insecure about Kareena's relationship with her friends. If I pass comments against my co-actor, it would be highly unethical and unprofessional. A film is a team effort. If I run down a co-actor, I would be killing my film.

But I guess I'll have to stop being emotional and move on. Fame comes with a certain amount of baggage in Bollywood.

People seem to think Kareena controls your career, that she asked you to walk out from his production, Kaal, because she had differences with Karan Johar and refused Kal Ho Naa Ho?

(Laughs) That's more than funny. What else can I say? I fail to understand that why two and two always make five in Bollywood.

It certainly helps. If two actors are unknown or uncomfortable with each other, it takes time to break the ice. Here, the results were instantaneous (smiles).

I know what you mean. It could work the other way. But let me tell you, Kareena and I are very professional and serious about our work.

It's too early and too premature to comment. We'll think of crossing the bridge when we reach there. But yes, everything is fine and positive. We are very happy with each other.

I was approached for it, but I could not allot the required dates.