Is it true that you have a negative role in Dhoom?Yeah, I play a smart thief. I’m a really conventional robber. In fact, even my big bike is black, which is a simple way to declare that my character is the bad guy. Any fears about doing a negative role so early in your career?Not at all. In fact, I have fallen in love with my character. I remember when Aditya Chopra called to tell me about Dhoom. He said that even when they were scripting for the movie, they called my character John because he was so very me. You know, he’s a real biker with loads of attitude and style. Is it true that there is no heroine opposite you in Dhoom?On the contrary, I have a most beautiful heroine. She has the best curves and is so damn powerful. Her name is Suzuki Hayabusa. What’s the craziest stuff that you’ve done on a bike?It’s not worth a mention because if someone follows my example, it can be dangerous. I’ve lifted the heavy bike innumerable times and have partially succeeded in going 300 plus. It’s really crazy and dangerous, at least from the outside. When you are on the bike, it’s another kind of freedom and excitement. People who sit covered in cars are protected, but a two-wheeler rider knows what speed really is. Did you give lots of bike gyan to co-stars Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra?When I had met Abhishek a few years ago, he looked at my Hayabusa and quipped, ‘‘Only a crazy guy will ride a monster like this.’’ And would you believe that in Dhoom, both he and Uday are riding the same bike? They didn’t know how to ride a bike, but trained for this film and the results are fabulous. Now Abhishek loves the bike so much that he’s forever zipping away. My character John is a real biker with lots of attitude and style Did you guys have many male-bonding sessions while shooting?Uday and me were classmates in Bombay Scottish School, and Abhishek is also from the same school. So it was three Scots against the entire unit. Abhishek is arguably the most mischievous guy I know. He would just rip off with the bike and everybody would be running behind him. Uday is more sober—he was just bothered about what food we would get and when he could sleep. What does the word Dhoom mean to you?Power, excitement, speed, talk and energy. The Madhoshi promos are also on air. How do you and Bipasha Basu ensure that your pairing remains exciting?After Jism, Bipasha and I were offered every possible film under the sun. I must mention that we had signed Aetbaar much before Jism, though it released later. After that, Madhoshi is the only film we are doing together. Deepa Mehta’s film River Moon will give you good international exposure. Are you looking at any Hollywood projects?Deepa’s film is just beautiful and, yeah, given the option I would love to do a Hollywood film. I don’t want to work in a crossover film, but in movies that are completely based there. I am waiting and watching. Any truth to the rumours about an affair with Lara Dutta?Well, thank god they are pairing me with Lara and not her boyfriend Kelly Dorji. I spend much more time with Kelly. It’s funny that Kelly was on the outdoor with Lara where we supposedly had this fling. It doesn’t affect me at all. I am laughing it off. Sharmila Tagore feels you have the most beautiful dimple. Comment.I think she has the most beautiful dimples that I’ve ever seen. When she smiles, you can’t help but fall in love with her. I hope I am able to play a good son to my beautiful mother in Viruddh.
