"I had thought Karan would call me to direct a movie" - Kayoze : Bollywood News

Being Bomans son, was being an actor the only option?

I always wanted to get into the movie line but never in front of the camera. I had plans of directing and editing. These are my two biggest passions. I was working on Shakun Batras Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu when Karan just asked me to audition for the part in Student Of The Year. Just because my father is gifted in acting does not necessarily mean that I will be the best in business. Sachin Tendulkars son may not be the best batsman in the world. But honestly, this is all Karan. I mean, I thought Id be an assistant director on Student Of The Year. But one day when I walked in late night for the edit of EMAET, my profession was about to go for a toss.

What was the audition you gave that impressed Karan Johar?

There was a scene of another film. I think it was a scene from an old Amitabh Bachchan film. Actually, I dont know yaar! I cant remember my audition. Then they told me, The camera is off. Now imitate your father. So in the mood for entertainment, I imitated him from 3 Idiots, Munnabhai, etc. Karan saw the tapes and he said, Congratulations, youre a part of Student Of The Year. Yes, the camera was never off. I thought Karan will one day call me to direct a movie for Dharma but never did I think hed call me to act.

Now that youve ventured out as an actor, will you still make it as a director one day?

I will never give up on my dream to become a director ever. Weve all had a blast on the sets shooting for more than 100 days together in and out of Mumbai. Its difficult to top up this experience I feel. I really would love to go back to directing one day. I like to take it step by step. I am waiting for SOTY to release and see the reaction of the audience first. I am not reading any scripts. I have script ideas and things already on paper of what Id like to direct one day but right now I am going to wait till October 19.

Youre 24; your kind of cinema and the choices of movies will be so diverse than the mass audience, isnt it?

I like feel-good films. I dont like todays films. I have grown up on Lawrence Of Arabia, The Bridge On The River Kwai, Woody Allen movies, etc. I love directors like David Lean, Stanley Kubrick, Woody Allen, Clint Eastwood, Ron Hoaward and my favourite actor is Peter Sellers. I love his film The Party. Having said that, we must also embrace the fact that we are a part of the Hindi Film Industry. All we need to do is bring in new sensibilities to make Hindi movies without losing the entertainment value. We are not even 5% of the population that watch English movies. You and I and a few more will watch them but the large chunk of our audience wants Hindi entertainment.

Youve grown up on Karan Johar movies too?

I love Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai too. But Sana, who is sitting opposite me as of now, I am a big fan of hers because the costumes that she wore in KKHH fit her perfectly even today (laughs). Seriously, I love Karan Johar movies. Every time you see his movies, you laugh and cry. Its nostalgic.