“After the hair transplant, I don’t need a cap”

Why remake Karz?
I love the original Karz and have seen it about 30 times. I’m also a fan of Rishiji (Kapoor). I wanted to pay a tribute to him and thought this would be the best way. I suggested the idea to remake Karz to Bhushanji (Kumar). We were lucky to get the rights from Subhashji (Ghai) and then Satishji (Kaushik) came on board and it all fell in place.

How differently have you played Monty (Rishi’s role in the original)?
If Rishiji was the best Monty, then I make the worst Monty. I’m a non-professional actor, dancer and fighter. But I’ve really tried to do full justice to the role.

Whose idea was it to put four Zs in the title (Karzzzz)?
Mine. I was told that numerologically and astrologically, the four Zs will be lucky. Rahul Nanda designed the poster in such a way that the 4 Zs look like a shadow. It looks classy.

Did you always want to act?
I never even dreamt of it. It all happened step by step. As I did a couple of well-received music videos, my face became visible and offers started pouring in. I tested the waters with Aap Kaa Surroor in which I played myself. You know, there was the cap and I was called HR etc. In Karzzzz, for the first time, I’m playing a character. So, I had to really work hard. After this, there’s no turning back.

Is putting yourself down a publicity strategy?
No. Everybody thinks it is but I’m just being honest. I don’t look like a hero. I’m not conventionally good-looking. I’ve always been a composer, so, I’ve never really worked on my fitness. I used to eat a lot. I have a fat belly. These are the facts.

Why do you think people connect with you?
I don’t know. Maybe because I look like a commoner and when they see me doing all this, they feel I’m living their dream. God knows! I just know that whatever I am today is because of the janta’s love.

... contd.