Akshaye on CNN-IBN

He is reticent in person but always plays flamboyant characters in his films. Akshaye Khanna is back with the thriller Naqaab. But this is also the year when his hush hush mega project Gandhi, My Father will release. He spoke to CNN-IBN correspondent Archita Kashyap about all this and a future career plan.

CNN-IBN: Your character sketch in Naqaab says that it’s about a normal boy but the film is about abnormal circumstances. And it’s a thriller again. You have a fondness for playing these kind of roles in thrillers?

Akshaye Khanna: I particularly enjoy watching thrillers. I love thrillers as an audience. But I have tried and to a certain extent I have succeeded in such films. I mean I have to choose from whatever I am offered.

CNN-IBN: Does it mean that there a dearth of good roles in Bollywood today?

Akshaye Khanna: No, not at all. When I say from what I am offered, what I mean is that I am not a writer or a director, so I don’t get to do my own scripts. I have to depend on other people to write them for me.

CNN-IBN: Does it inspire you to someday direct or write a movie yourself?

Akshaye Khanna: No, at least now I don’t think I am ready to take on that kind of responsibility. It’s a huge responsibility to be a director and I am not a naturally gifted writer. So, that is out of the question. It’s unlikely but I am not ruling direction out.

CNN-IBN: There is a much talked about film called Gandhi, My Father and you are associated with that film. Now, there is a non-disclosure agreement regarding the film but do tell us something about it.

Akshaye Khanna: Gandhi, My Father is releasing in August. It’s a film that is extremely close to all those who have worked on it. It’s the story of the relationship that Mahatma Gandhi shared with his eldest son, Hari Lal Gandhi. It’s an emotional film that deals with a sensitive topic.
CNN-IBN: Thank you so much for talking to us and all the best with your films.

Akshaye Khanna: Thank you.

He looks quite fit and raring to go. Attaboy!

Here's the video.