Himesh Reshammiya knows that he can never be like Clark Gable or James Dean. He maintains that he isn’t an archetypal Hindi film hero, nor can he ever be. This, despite the fact that his second film, ‘Karzzz’, is releasing on October 17 with a phenomenal 1,200 prints, there are queues of people waiting to interview him and his film’s music is already a sell-out success. “The first criterion of becoming a hero is that you have to be good-looking. That, in itself, disqualifies me,” he says.

We aren’t going to deliberate on what he looked like earlier, but now, he’s got himself a cool new hairstyle, shaved his chest hair and gotten into shape. “You have no idea how tough it has been. I had to go on a strict diet (I didn’t work out at all), undergo hair transplant, wear extensions... it was crazy. And still people accuse me of trying to emulate Rishi Kapoor. He is one of the most effortlessly handsome faces of his time. However, I believe that ‘Karzzz’ is a tribute to Rishi Kapoor from an ardent fan.”

With ‘Karzzz’, the flashbulbs will be trained on Reshammiya, the actor. “In that sense, ‘Karzzz’ is my real acting debut. My acting skills will be put to test on October 17. We’re treading rather carefully. Bhushan Kumar has spent lots of money to make this film. After careful consideration, we brought the release date forward from December and work is going on at breakneck speed. We’re getting ready for the verdict.” It’s true. Although the 35-year-old has been accepted as entertainer par excellence, he is yet to set the big screen ablaze with histrionics. “This is my attempt to win over my critics,” he resolves.

In a creative outburst, he composed the music for ‘Tandoori Nights’ over a meal of grilled chicken. “I was getting too frustrated controlling my diet, eating boiled, bland and grilled meals. That has found expression in Tandoori Nights. It’s doing so well now.”

Although ‘Karz’, the 1980 original, won Laxmikant- Pyarelal awards, Reshammiya has a feeling that his music may not quite bring home the coveted trophy. “I don’t know why I am saying that. I just have a feeling. Anyway, I made Pyarelalji listen to my rendition of Ek Hasina Thi. He loved it. And FYI, I have abandoned my nasal twang in this one, I’ve sung it normally.”

Reshammiya’s date book looks quite scribbled in. “I am doing five films, and they are all in the big-budget category. Then, I’m making music for others. I intend to take it easy on films for fear of over-exposure,” he says.