FARDEEN KHAN

Like father, Like son

Prem Aggan may not exactly have set the box-office afire. The misfired launch hasn’t dampened the spirits of the father-son duo, though. For Fardeen is back with Ash and Ajay in papa Feroz Khan’s next, Qurbaan Tujh Pe Meri Jaan. All set to face the camera after a year-and-a-half-long sabbatical, Fardeen aspires to be the next recruit in the brigade of the big Khans. US-trained, suave and sober, he’s very unlike the ‘de rigeur’ star brats. Fardeen’s a cool dude, the kind you’d want to take home to your mom. Presenting the gentleman of generation next...

"Comparisons may be odious but they’re inevitable. Initially, I’m bound to be known as Feroz Khan’s son. I consider that a headstart in life.."

We meet Fardeen Khan at FK International’s Lokhandwala office in Andheri, Mumbai. Sporting his signature two-day stubble and shoulder length mane he exudes a mouthful exuberance. Plumped comfortably in the plush sofa in the tastefully furnished conference hall, we quiz him on his professional moves and some such. And at the end of the interview, he promises to drop by at our Express Towers office at Nariman Point.

A week later, true to his word, he turns up, duly with a selection of his latest photographs. And he’s preferred to visit us alone, sans the usual retinue of secretary and PRO in tow. Heads turn briskly as he breezes in. Cool and casual, a warm handshake here, a bearhug there and Fardeen’s charmed SCREEN staffers already. Excerpts from our interaction with the delightful Khan:

Where have you been all these days after Prem Aggan?
Very much here, in Mumbai. Travelling a bit here and there, taking a break generally.

A year and a half is a long break for a debutant, don’t you think?
Well, it depends on what you’ve been up to in the mean time. I’ve been upgrading myself in several ways. Brushing up my Hindi and Urdu, keeping up with the dances, watching three or four good films on an average each week, and the like. It’s been an exercise in self-improvement for me as an actor.

You’re back now with your dad’s next. Aren’t you open to offers bro other producers?
I am, very much. In fact, I did sign a film with Parto Ghosh, prior to the release of Prem Aggan but he got busy with a Bengali film. I’ve just signed Shubi Mukerji’s Dil Deke Dekho. I’ve received a lot of offers, but I’ve been very selective in accepting them. I want to be involved with some quality work, now.

FK International’s Qurban Tujh Pe Meri Jaan isn’t a solo hero project. Do you mind having to share credits with Ajay Devgan?
Not in the least. Multi-starrer ventures have better marketability, so why would I mind being a part of a sound venture? I’m really excited about working with accomplished actors like Ajay and Aishwarya. I’m sure it will be a learning experience for me. The film goes on the floors next year. To be made by dad and cinematographed by Kabir Lal, it sure has the makings of an interesting project.

Is daddy going to put his trademark cowboy hat on you?
I don’t know. But it sits pretty on my head I must admit!

When did you decide to become an actor?
Even though, I’ve grown up watching dad’s movies. I never quite thought of acting as a career until I joined college. I did four years of college in the US to get a bachelor’s degree in business and film acting. Till the second year there, all I’d wanted to do was set up some business in India. Gradually I got down towards considering acting as a career option.

Did daddy prompt or prod you into joining the movies?
He left it entirely to me. He’s always dinned the philosophy into me that his duty is to give me the best education, and that it’s up to me to decide what to do with it. “You have to do something that makes you happy, something you see yourself doing for the rest of your life,” he’d tell me.

When did you inform him of your decision to act? How did he react?
After I graduated in 1995, I finally got down to weighing my options. I considered whether to turn filmmaker or take up acting. I opted to give acting a shot first, because I realised there was lots more to learn before I ventured into directing.

I remember it was during a vacation that I finally got down to telling my dad about it. We were both driving down to the race course in Bangalore, when I told him. He braked, looked at me awhile, and said, “Great! But I warn you, it’s not going to be easy. A Hindi film hero has to be a jack of every trade, a dancer, actionman, even a comedian. And it’s going to be hard work. It’s not enough to be somebody’s son and good looking,” he cautioned me, apprising me of the level of commitment it required. All I could do was nod in agreement. But he declared he’d launch me.

Don’t you think it was a foregone conclusion that you’d be launched by the home banner?
No way. We don’t take each other for granted. He’s not the sort who’d launch me out of love or emotion. He obviously thought I could act, dance and justify being a part of his set-up. He makes movies because he loves making them. He’s made some successful movies and worked with the best talent and technicians in the industry. He knew what he was doing.

Was he a task master as a director?
Absolutely! I’d study acting, dancing and work hard on my diction. And he’d keep a close watch on my progress, and shoot only when he thought I was ready for the take. It was in ’95 that I told him I’d love to act, but it wasn’t until ’97 that we actually got down to shooting. He’d given me nearly two years to get my act together.

Were your friends surprised when you told them you were going to become an actor?
Come to think of it, they were. I’d never told any of them about my decision. I wanted to pursue several professions, acting was never one of them. So my friends were like — you and acting? But they were pleasantly surprised by my performance, eventually.

What kind of roles are coming your way? You can be easily slotted as the lover boy, you know!
Well, most of the roles I’ve been offered are indeed, romantic ones considering my age and looks. People say I’ve a soft, sweet, innocent face. But I don’t want to get stuck as a lover boy. I want to experiment with comedy and horror, both of which appeal to me immensely. I’d love to try my hand at both genres.

In retrospect, what do you make of the Prem Aggan debacle?
I don’t dwell much on what went wrong. It’s no use shutting the door after the horse has bolted. We tried to put up a successful film and worked very hard on it. But it wasn’t accepted. Get it over with, move on, that’s how I prefer to deal with life.

What do you think are the ups and downs of the acting profession?
You get a lot of attention and you’re generally treated well. Essentially, what it boils down to is, it’s a very consuming job — it demands your heart, mind, soul and body. I guess that’s why at the end of it, there’s tremendous job satisfaction.

On the other hand, acting is tough. I remember reading in a book long ago that acting isn’t for the faint-hearted. And though an actor is only human, and has feelings and emotion, too, public scrutiny can be harsh at times, but you must learn to take it all in your stride.

Is it tough to be a star son, what with inevitable comparisons with your illustrious parent?
Comparisons may be odious, but they’re inevitable. It’s up to me whether I manage to step out of my father’s giant shadow. Initially, I’m bound to be known as Feroz Khan’s son. I consider that a headstart in life. With time and individual achievement, people will eventually accept me for what I am, identify me as Fardeen Khan.

So, are you looking forward to joining the Khan brigade?
Every actor wants to be successful. Am I going to join the other three Khans, you ask? Well, I wouldn’t mind. One more Khan up there, hm?

Such a sport
Fardeen was a keen sportsman in college. He played volleyball, snooker and waterpolo for alma mater Meethibai College, Juhu, before he took off to the US, for a four-year degree in business and film acting.

While in the US, Fardeen even worked as a part-time waiter on campus. That he claims, was a great boost to his self-confidence. “The sense of obscurity helped,” he confesses.

Back home, Khan loves motor racing and can often be found go-karting at Powai, Mumbai.

Deepa Karmalkar