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Akshaye: I am too young to get married

A man of few words, Akshaye Khanna lets his work speak for him. While actors vie to play superheroes, Akshaye plays the common man in Gali Gali Chor Hai, which releases tomorrow.

The film shows the plight of an ordinary man who tries to fight corruption in society.

Akshaye talks candidly to Sonil Dedhia about the film, and why he is not ready for marriage yet.

There have been lots of films highlighting the problems of the common man. How is Gali Gali...different?

Although I pay a common man, we are not catering only to the common man in the film; we are catering to everyone.

The story relates to us all; it's about every Indian. Directly or indirectly, everyone is affected by whatever happens in the country no matter how big or small you are.

The story is also about the system -- the law of the land.

Is the film trying to be preachy?

The story is about a common man who gets stuck in the system for no fault of his. It sounds very serious and depressing but it is told in a hilarious way.

We have made a small film which takes a dig at the system. Our film has not got any message.

'I am thinking of bribing Abbas-Mustan to take me in Race-2!'

You also portrayed the character of Hanuman in the film.

It was fun to play Hanuman. It is challenging, too, because you have to say these heavily accent dialogues very loudly.

Ramleela is a subplot in the film. After a very long time people will see a good Ramleela in a film.

The title of the film is catchy. Have you personally faced corruption? How did you deal with it?

I belong to the film industry and it's the only industry that has no corruption.

In my line of work, I don't think there is any scope for corruption. But yes, I feel every individual has faced corruption directly or indirectly. At the end of the day, the law is the same for the Prime Minister or a common man of India.

Have you ever bribed anyone?

No, not that I can think of, though I am thinking of bribing Abbas-Mustan to take me in Race-2! I don't know if it is going to work.

'I don't mind being known as Mr Bharat'

Do you think a common man has the power to bring about change in the system?

Yes, absolutely. I think the common man should not be underestimated. There's a famous saying, 'Never underestimate the power of one'.

Manoj Kumar is known as Mr Bharat. Your character is named Bharat in the film. Are there any influences or similarities?

No, no similarities at all. Manoj Kumar is a veteran actor and no one can take his place.

If my film does well and people like my work, then I don't mind being known as Mr Bharat.

There were reports that you are miffed that Abbas-Mustan and Farhan Akhtar haven't offered you any roles in their films.

Sometimes things are said in a joking manner and they tend to be taken seriously.

I was just joking that Abbas-Mustan and Farhan Akhtar don't cast me in their films. 

You have been successful when you have played negative characters.

I am inclined to acting. I like to act and I like being an actor. I like to get up in the morning and go on the sets. Whether I am doing a negative character or a comedy character comes secondary.

'My life is very boring'

Why do you always run away from the media?

I don't enjoy being in the media just for the sake of it. I prefer being low profile.

Some people's lives are really interesting and they make good copy. My life is very boring and I don't think it has the content to constantly keep me in the media (smiles).

What is the other world of Akshaye Khanna like?

I do very boring things. I don't like to go to parties. I am not the kind of person who likes to party every night.

I do a lot of gardening. I read books and I like to sleep a lot. I can sleep for hours and hours together. I like to watch films.

So, would you say you are an introvert?

I am not an introvert. If you had to categorise me between introvert and extrovert, I would say I am an extrovert. It's just that I like to be in my own space and not be in the limelight.

'The common man should not be underestimated'

You said you would marry once Salman Khan is married.

Again, it was a joke, and I said I would think about marriage. I never said I will get married once he does.

So, are you thinking about marriage?

 I am only 36. I feel I am too young to get married.

What makes you angry?

I don't have a temper so I don't think I get angry. I cannot remember the last time I got angry.

You have completed 15 years in the industry. Have you got what you set out to get?

In a population of 1.2 billion people, there are hardly 15 to 20 actors. What more can I ask for?

The only thing that I can ask from God is that till my health permits me to work, I should get work and keep myself busy. 

As an actor I think longevity is the most important thing. Ups and downs and hits and flops are a part of life.

'I would love to remake Mere Apne'

Talking about longevity, your father Vinod Khanna is back acting in a lot of films. Has he always been an influence?

He has inspired me and influenced me in many ways. He has also shaped me in many ways. But, as an actor, I am not influenced by one person. I am influenced by a large number of things. I will also say that parents are the biggest and the most influential people in anyone's life.

What is the best compliment he has given you?

There are certain gestures and appreciation that he shows to me and towards my work which is very close to my heart. These are very intimate things (smiles).

Did you accompany him for his shoots when you were a kid?

Yes, I would accompany him on the shoots. I would jump at any opportunity I got to go with him on the sets.

As an actor's son, you get pampered and get a lot of attention on the sets.

Which is the one film of your father's that you would like to remake and act in?

That's a difficult question to answer (laughs).

I think I would love to remake Mere Apne. I think even today the youth and the people will be able to relate to and enjoy the film. More than that, it will be a great role for me to play.

'I am very happy with my acting'

Your brother Sakshi Khanna is also planning to get into acting. Any plans to groom him?

No, I don't have any plans to groom him. He is still young. He still has a long way to go.

Any plans to turn producer or director?

Being a producer or a director is a huge responsibility and I don't think I am ready for it. Moreover, it should come from within.

Currently I am very happy with my acting. But you never know about the future. I might decide to take the leap.