Akshaye Khanna dons his comic avatar again for Mere Baap Pehle Aap

After Hulchul and Hungama, you are doing a comedy after a long gap.

Yes, that’s because no script had appealed to me. Apart from the storyline of Mere Baap Pehle Aap being unique, I share a very good rapport with the director, Priyadarshan, even though our first project Doli Sajake Rakhna was a disaster. He complements me as an actor. Generally the trend is that if the first movie doesn’t do well, then actors don’t prefer to work with the director or vice versa but it was not the case with Priyadarshan. After four years, we worked together again and enjoyed the experience.

After hits like Border, Dil Chahta Hai, Humraaz and Gandhi My Father, why don’t you concentrate on offbeat roles?

I enjoy doing all kinds of roles. I do not wish to be typecast.

Dil Chahta Hai boosted Saif Ali Khan’s career. How has it benefited you?

Not only Saif, everyone involved with the film was benefited. All credit goes to Farhan Akhtar. It was a milestone in my career and will always remain special.

Are you media shy?

I am not media shy. It’s just that I’m not the one to attend parties but I need people around me always. I hang out only with my close friends and enjoy my space.

Gandhi My Father focused on father-son relationship and so does Mere Baap Pehle Aap

But the mood and concept are entirely different. Here, the son puts his middle-aged, widowed father’s (Paresh Rawal) happiness before his and is also over protective of him.

How is your relationship with your father, Vinod Khanna?

We are close but we hardly get time to interact due to our erratic schedules. Yet, we are the best of friends.

Does your father give you career tips?

No, I’m quite an experienced actor by now. I consult him, on rare occasions.

How was it working with Genelia D’Souza?

She is extremely sweet and a thorough professional. She fits the role. Unlike those who try to ape others, she has got her own style of acting.

Heard you are a chess addict and used to play on the sets with Paresh Rawal.

The two of us had the house on fire. We used to chat for long hours. Apart from that, there was no scope for fun on Priyadarshan’s sets as we only worked and shot on a very fast pace.

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