Meet speed demon Uday Chopra

Is it speed that draws you towards bikes?

In fact,the trick of riding a bike is to be able to do it slow. I learnt that the more you speed,the lower is your centre of gravity. The real test of a rider is to ride in a straight line at a slow and constant speed.

Were you conscious of getting a lot more adventurous with bikes in Dhoom 3?

We did some really big stunts in Dhoom 3,and spent a lot of money. We felt it’s the next level of action for Indian movies. People who have seen it are comparing it to the films in the west,and that’s the kind of reaction we were expecting.

How adventurous are you off-screen?

I used to be a lot more adventurous than I am now. I’ve done sky-diving,I love skiing,I have two licenses in scuba diving. It’s just that of late,I have not been able to do that. I want to revive it. I do have an adventurous streak. In fact,I’ve always wanted to be on Survivor,the TV show.

What drives you?

There’s so much adrenaline rushing through your body when you’re doing something adventurous that you really cannot think of anything else. It really takes your mind off. When I was training for stunts in Dhoom 3,I would come back and feel so clear-headed for those few hours. One has to be focussed when handling a huge bike. If anything goes wrong,one will end up hurting oneself. But that’s the fun of adventure sports. It also helps to de-stress.

Are you a risk-taker?

I don’t know if I take a lot of risks,but I’m impulsive. When I start thinking too much,I end up doing nothing. The only way I can take a decision is on an impulse and instinct. Now if that’s a risk,then I’m a risk-taker.