Akshay Kumar-Katrina Kaif intense love story ‘Humko Deewana Kar Gaye’ has just hit theatres. So Akki talks about it and his upcoming films.

How is Humko Deewana Kar Gaye different from your previous work?
To start with, Humko…’ begins where most love stories end. By which I mean, when two people are living together and everything is going well, there’s a perfect match. Suddenly, one person falls in love with somebody else. It happens in everybody’s life. Even if the person you fall in love with is imperfect for you, it happens. You can’t predict love. The USP of the film is that people can relate to this subject. Sometimes, you have to go back on your commitment. Love is not like a business deal, where you have everything planned out. It happens that you sometimes can’t work it out; you realise your heart is somewhere else. ‘Humko…’ starts at a point like that.

You've mentioned that it's a very personal story. How?
We’ve treated it with a great amount of intensity, and it has a very real slice of life. It’s taken from a real story, about a couple from Toronto. (more…)

Versatile actor Paresh Rawal is fed up doing mostly comic roles and want filmmakers to offer him serious roles. He is also upset with the poor state of comedy in Bollywood and thinks it is heading towards doom.

You have yet another comic release coming up.

I have just returned from shooting for Ahmed Khan's 'Fool and Final', which is another caper. I'm seriously fed up. I won't touch anything dubious. But 'Malamaal Weekly' was enjoyable. The flavour is not farcical. It's not just a comedy, or a family film or a thriller. The pleasure of working with Omji (Om Puri) in an entire film is rare. It gave me a chance to rejuvenate myself as an actor. I am his fan. It's very rare to come across actors who aren't selfish.

But your director, Priyadarshan said there was healthy rivalry between you and Om?

Oh yes, it was great fun improvising between the two of us, and to see who would get the last word in. There are only a few people in the film industry that I admire as actors and human beings. Omji is one of them. He is such a sweetheart. (more…)

Himesh Reshammiya seemed very angry during Zee awards and MTV awards. When he was awarded the Best Singer at Zee, he opened his acceptance speech by saying, “Hope this proves a point. I will be even better next year. I am grateful to God, dad and Salman Khan.” Earlier, at the MTV where he reaped two prizes (Best Singer and Music) he began by saying, “Yeh awards maine kharide nahin hai!”

So, why he appear so sullen and what’s to be so bitter about? He has also received the Filmfare award for Best Singer as well as the Stardust awards for Best Singer and New Talent. Isn’t it time for him to celebrate. This is what he has to say.

I’m not arrogant.

Nothing, absolutely nothing! I am thankful and grateful to everyone for the response my songs have fetched. Maybe, I am not good at humour; or maybe my straight-faced look makes people think its attitude. But it’s not that way at all. If that’s what people felt after watching me on TV, let me clear it - Himesh is not bitter about anything. I am not arrogant. I am happy to be recognised as a hit singer and composer. (more…)