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.

Tell us about yourself.

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.

How?

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.

Why didn't you ask your family to launch you?

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.

But didn't Aamir Khan get a 'hero' launch?

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.

Jaane Tu took three years to take off. Did that frustrate you?

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.

Video: Hitesh Harisinghani

Also Read: From Munnabhai to Jaane Tu...

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