How has the journey with Priyadarshan been?
This is my fourth film with him. In Bollywood, he has been branded as a director, who makes only comedies. But he is a very versatile director, who makes films in different genres. He has done all kinds of films down South.
Personally and professionally, we work very well together.
What about Genelia D'Souza?
She is a wonderful artiste. I wouldn't call her a newcomer as she has done a substantial amount of work in the South. She has a very young screen age, which makes people think that she is a newcomer.
What I particularly like about Genelia is that there is a certain amount of originality in her. She does not have a history. She does not try to copy someone or be someone else. And this is very refreshing.
I would say Ranbir [Kapoor] and Sonam [Kapoor] also fall in this category. Though they come from a filmi background, they are original. I do not see Anil Kapoor in Sonam or Raj Kapoor or Rishi Kapoor in Ranbir.
Why is it that you do not make many public appearances?
That is just the way I am. I am a very low profile kind of guy.
This is the first time you have worked with Om Puri. How was the experience?
I have lots of respect for him. Before this film, I had never met him. He is a gentleman and very soft-spoken, humble and easy going. It is incredible that such great talent does not affect the person's ego. I really liked him and enjoyed working with him.
What is his role?
He is this eccentric friend of my father's [Paresh Rawal], who I hate because he always gets my father into trouble. He is this old guy, who believes that today's young women fall for men of his age
The film has a very unusual concept. How was the idea conceived?
This film is the remake of a Malayalam film [called Istham].
Tell us about your role.
I am a son, who sometimes behaves like my father's father. My life unfolds through the script. It is an extremely unconventional film and the funniest I have ever done.
Now, with the music out and promos doing the rounds, what kind of response have you got so far?
All I can say is that the response has been positive.
What are your favourite scenes in the film?
All the scenes with Paresh, which form the crux of the film. Those are very novel scenes. I don't think I will ever play such roles again in my career.
Who are your favourite directors?
From among the directors I have worked with, I like Priyadarshan (Doli Sajake Rakna, Hulchul, Hungama) Abbas-Mastan (Race), J P Dutta (Border, LOC: Kargil), Farhan Akhtar (Dil Chata Hai), Rishi Kapoor (Aa Ab Laut Chalen), Firoz Abbas Khan (Gandhi My Father) and Subhash Ghai (Taal).
You have done different roles in different films. Do you think comedy is your forte?
I do not think I am the best at anything. I just enjoy what I do.
Come on Akshaye, you are absolutely the bestest in the world, ever, no doubt about it. and don't be shy to admit it.
Advice to future designers, just put Akshoo in a normal tee-shirt, you don't have to do anything else.
I can't embed the video interview but go here to watch it.
