It’s about time. One was getting a little tired of seeing the same Emraan in films that ran to type, with different girls who yet looked like they’d been cut out of the same mould. Even the music was beginning to sound familiar with ‘Woh ajnabi…’ appearing to be an extension of ‘Afsana banake...’
I think it would be unfair to Mithoon to equate ‘Woh ajnabi…’ with ‘Afsana…’ He’s used new sounds and the music of The Train has a feel of its own. I admit though that I’d reached a saturation point as far as the deception game goes. At this juncture I needed a film like Awarapan in which I’m not cheating on my wife or chasing after someone else’s biwi. It’s not something you’ve seen any actor do on screen in recent times. Even the locations are new. We’ve shot in Hong Kong…And Pakistan.

How was Pakistan?
I didn’t have the opportunity to travel to Pakistan but Hong Kong is a very good-looking city with a great night-life. It’s not just that its urban structures that are spectacular, it also has some very beautiful temples. And then there is the annual laser show. It’s just about 15-20 minutes but in that time the whole skyline is lit up and the effect has to be seen to be believed. You’ll see it in the film.

Director Mohit Suri describes it as the spiritual journey of one man and confesses that for him too Awaarapan answered some questions about the supreme being. Do you believe in God?
(Nodding) I do. When you are shooting in Buddhist monasteries and are in the midst of such serenity, you cannot but feel a spiritual connection with God.

Did your wife like The Train or Good Boy Bad Boy?
(With a chuckle) She didn’t but she’s looking forward to Awarapan. The other two scripts too were brilliant and when we started we had every intention of making good films. But somewhere along the way we got derailed. It happens (Shrugs). You learn to take it in your stride. I’m not saying you should take it easy but after analyzing what went wrong you need to move on.

So in which direction are you moving now?
I won’t say that I’ve become more cautious...Choosy. But now it won’t be just shooting and pack-up. I want to be involved with the whole creative process, from pre-production to pre-release. I’d like to concentrate on one film at a time. After this I’ll start work on a film that takes you behind-the-scenes of the betting circuit. I’m playing a bookie. The next one could be a comedy.

I believe UTV is keen on a three-film deal with you. And Kumar Mangat too has been coming to you with stories.
Yes, UTV has approached me. Let’s see. I’m in talks with them. Kumar Mangat too is a good producer and I’m looking forward to working with him. It has to be a creative decision.

You’re a part of Raaz 2 though?
Yeah, but that’s in the infancy stages. We’re still scripting it.

Meanwhile, Bipasha Basu has expressed a desire to work with you in Raaz 2. This after she had earlier turned down Footpath opposite you.
Yeah, I’d heard that it was because she thought I was too short for her. (With a chuckle) I guess I’ve grown a bit in these three years.

In Aap Ka Surroor Himesh Reshammiya appears to have consciously modelled himself on you...Stubble, single ear-ring, intense expressions...
Has he? I’ve seen only a couple of promos. But if others feel this way I take it as a compliment. Imitation is the best form of flattery.

Everytime an Emraan Hashmi film is up for release, the whole serial kisser hype starts anew. But in Awarapan, we’re told, you don’t kiss either of your heroines.
I don’t. This whole serial kisser image has been created by the media. But hey, a person doesn’t buy a ticket to go watch an actor kiss on screen. If that was the only motivation he could get himself a dozen foreign DVDs and rewind and fast-forward them in the privacy of his bedroom. Kisses don’t guarantee a film’s run or an actor’s success. It’s the script, performances, music, the whole package that draws an audience to the theatres and sustains a film at the box-office. I’ve never believed that sex sells..