For someone known for his reticent moody ways with the media, Akshaye Khanna has come a long mile. There were days when getting a quote unquote from him was a Herculean task—frosty looks and mock-serious eyes were what we would get. But these days, he is a changed man.
In capital to promote his latest oeuvre Hungama, the actor literally took charge of the entire proceeding. The first one to reach PVR Gurgaon—the venue of the press conference—he saw to it that director Priyadarshan and co-star Rimi Sen took their seats, made sure the microphones were working and even flashed a smile for the shutterbugs with a request of ‘‘We’ll do this later.’’ What’s more he even cracked a joke at his own expense! Seeing the less flattering media turnout at the venue, he said, ‘‘It seems we couldn’t manage a full house even on our first show.’’
This isn’t the Akshaye we are accustomed to. What brought this sea change? ‘‘Well, I have grown up ... have come into my own. Life’s been a roller coaster ride full of ups and downs. One minute I was hailed as the next best thing and the very next day I was wiped out. Over the years, I’ve learnt a lot.’’
So is he finally liking us? ‘‘ Let me clarify that I have never dodged the media,’’ he says. ‘‘These are all rumours which over the years have become perpetuated by certain sections of the Mumbai press. On the contrary, I enjoy interacting with the media.’’
Huh, that’s a new one. So what else is new? ‘‘Hungama’’ comes the reply with relish. Speaking eloquently about the film, Akshaye tells us, ‘‘It’s a comedy of mistaken identities. A breezy, light and hilarious film, Hungama has a great script. The audience will get to see a good comedy after a long time.’’
After doing serious roles in Dil Chahta Hai, Humraaz and Deewangee, the Priyadarshan comic caper was ‘‘a refreshing change’’ for Khanna Jr. who had a great time working with Paresh Rawal. ‘‘Paresh is a naturally gifted actor. I learn so much from just watching him act,’’ he says.
It’s been a while since he did a solo hero film. Why is that? ‘‘It’s not a conscious decision or anything. It’s just that the scripts that I like are the ones that I do. I want to be a part of good and successful films so the number of co-stars makes no difference to me.’’ That established, is he or isn’t he doing Subhash Ghai’s ambitious Homeland with Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan. ‘‘I myself don’t know yet but we’ll make a formal announcement soon. Don’t worry you’ll come to know soon.’’ You bet!