"I hope my talent is put up in a museum" - Zayed Khan

Amongst the scores of star sons and daughters in Bollywood, one prominent name is Zayed Khan. Although he got spotted right in his first film "Main Hoon Nan", the actor is still struggling to make a mark in the industry. As of now, he is much excited about his forthcoming film "Speed", for which Zayed had to stay away from the camera for a good six months.

Q: Vikram informed that you injured your back quite seriously during an action sequence in the film. How are you now?
A: I am much better, thanks to the prayers of my well-wishers. Vikram had explained each and every scene of the film to me in detail. In fact, that's the reason I signed the film, I knew exactly what I had to do. As for accidents, they just happen. My only grievance is that the accident forced me to stay away from the camera and in bed rest for some six months.

Q: Tell us about how the accident happened.
A: The action scene involved nine other men. I had to climb up with the help of a rope. Unfortunately, the rope couldn't bear my weight and tore off; I landed right on a chair, while the other men fell on my back. However, this accident has made this film memorable for me. I have noticed that the films which get delayed often do well at the box-office. I have similar hopes of this film.

Q: What's the reason behind you signing so few films over these years, whereas your colleagues in the industry have signed so many of them?
A: I am quite choosy about my films now. As in, I don't want to spend 60-70 days on the sets of a film that I don't like. I want to work in films that I am excited about. Of course, a newcomer must do many films as that's how he/she will gain experience. But that doesn't apply on me anymore. When I was a fresher I did many films as it was the only way to improve my acting skills.

Q: You are mostly seen in thrillers and action films. Why don't you try your hand at romantic films?
A: Frankly speaking, I want to do romantic films, but unfortunately good scripts are not coming my way. I wish to do a romantic film with good costars, producer and director. The main reason behind this is thriller films are easily accepted by the audience compared to romantic ones. There is much for the cine-goers to look forward to in thrillers. But love stories can either begood or bad, there are no average love stories. A romantic film will go waste despite good director, producer and actors, if not projected properly.

Q: Would you like to play a historical character like Akbar that your brother-in-law Hrithik is playing in Jodha-Akbar?
A: Why not? God willing, I certainly will. Hrithik is a very hardworking guy, and a perfectionist at that. I respect him for that. Right now, I want to work with good directors to understand and learn more about cinema. I have told Subhash Ghai that whether he loves me or hates me, all I want him to do is improve my acting skills.

Q: How was the experience of working with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in "Mai Yuvraj"?
A: It was good. Many say Salman is moody. But there is nothing like that. Those who spread rumours against him either don't know him or don't mean him well. I think he is a great human being, with a heart of gold. He is one amongst the few in the industry who don't care what the media writes about them. He doesn't follow people, it's the other way round.

Q: Besides Salman, who else do you think can be included in Madame Tussauds wax gallery?
A: According to me, Hrithik will make a good choice. His talent makes films come alive.

Q: What you have to say about yourself?
A: If I manage to work in 10 hits in the coming two-three years, I would also wish that my wax statue be installed in the museum.

Q: "Shabd" was a different film of yours. What about that production?
A: I really liked that film, it is close to my heart. Unfortunately, the film was much ahead of its time. When I heard the story, I was sure that it would win the hearts of the audiences, but that didn't happen, quite like "Lamhe".

Q: Tell us about "Idiot", "Happy New Year" and "Bisaat".
A: It's been ages since "Idiot" was called off. As of now, I am not doing "Bisaat", but I am doing another film with Vasuji. As for "Happy New Year", I will go whenever Farah calls me.

Q: And your forthcoming films....
A: As of now, I am doing "Mission Istanbul" with Aporva Lakhia and "Mai Yuvaraj" with Subhash Ghai. I am quite excited about my role in "Mission Istanbul" as I am playing the lead. It is a good film, and I am sure that Indians will accept films of this genre. The story is set in New Work, where a man forms a gang with his friends and goes about terrorizing them.