Working with Shoojit in Yahaan was a wonderful experience. In fact, of the 50-odd films I’ve done, nearly 35 have been with debutant directors. Shoojit’s very particular about realism in his films. He makes you relate to the character. To develop the relationship, you need to work with the director again. So, here I am.

Tell us about Shoe Bite.

It’s an emotional drama, and it stars Amitabh Bachchan, Sarika, Dia and me. The film weaves a sweet and very entertaining relationship between Mr Bachchan and my character. That’s all I can reveal.

You had once said that you are not happy with the promotion of your films...

Yahaan got mind-blowing reviews, but somehow audiences missed it. The case was similar with Strangers and Haasil. I have people coming up to me and applauding these films, but due to lack of proper promotion, these could never be blockbusters, instead, these have become super hit DVD films! Now that actors are turning producers, a film will get the proper promotion it deserves, for it’s not always about recovering money.

You have been in the industry for quite a while now, but you are still seen as a second lead...do you feel angry or frustrated about it?

I am not frustrated. I am very happy with the films I’m doing...none of the films I’ve done get shelved, and you’ve got to make your slot somewhere. The rest is all about an elusive Friday.

What’s your reaction to the recent activities in Mumbai?

If you shift the MNCs and the industry from Mumbai, then what’s there in the city to work for? Either ways, it’s a loss for Mumbai.

What’s in store for you now?

There’s Mumbai Cutting. It has 11 stories from 11 national award-winning directors. I play a rich, debauched man, exposing the disparities in Mumbai. It’s directed by Parzania director Rahul Dholakia. There’s Wednesday by Neeraj Pandey. Watch out for this guy. Bachelor Party, a comedy by 7 1/2 Phere director Ishaan Trivedi, and Hanste Hanste by Tony Singh.