Are you getting used to the trappings of stardom?
At some level, life has changed. But I’m very much the same person even today. I never liked designer clothes; I don’t wear them even today. I still hang out with my old friends; we still do the same things we did earlier. Most of them are not from the industry. Whenever we go out, everyone splits the bill – it’s been the case always. It hasn’t changed just because people consider me a celebrity today. The only difference is that whenever we go out, I make sure we go to a place that my friends can afford too. Of course, we go there in my nice car – that’s the only change.

In today’s times, the competition is fierce. One wrong move and it could be fatal. Does that scare you?
The concept of competition is very wrong and all actors should realize it. In India, there’s a dearth of actors. It’s a very small industry – we have very few actors and very few directors. In fact, I’d say we need more actors. Right now, if someone comes to me with a script and if I don’t have dates, he can go to Ranbir or Neil or Harman. The options are very less. Real competition would be when a producer or director would have at least 10 options.

Does this constant comparison with Aamir bother you?
People are determined to give me the same destiny as Aamir. They feel that I have to be like him. Most people are not willing to let me have a separate personality that is my own. Sure, there are certain common traits between us; these are family traits. But there are also lots of things that are very different about us, which people don’t know about.

Kidnap was your first failure. Was it tough to handle?
When it didn’t do well, there was this fear of losing all that I’d achieved with ‘Jaane Tu…’ But you know, these kinds of fears never go away. Aamir had told me this once. He said, ‘however successful you become, the fear always remains. The day it goes away, you’re screwed.’ That fear keeps you on your game; it keeps you hungry. Also, when I signed ‘Kidnap’, I didn’t have any powers. I was a nobody. Today, when I sign a film, I have a clause in the contract saying you cannot change anything from the script you’ve given me. That’s one lesson learnt.

You’ve been open about your love life from day one. You didn’t try to hide your girlfriend like others do?
I’m very open about my life. I don’t feel the need to hide anything. When ‘Jaane Tu…’ was up for release. I was already involved with Avantika. I had no qualms about admitting to her. But again, out of respect for Aamir, I asked him what I should do. Should I be open about it or should I keep it a secret? He said, ‘Do what you want to and believe in. Because whatever you say, it’s not going to have any impact on the fate of the film.’ To be honest, Avantika and I spoke about it. We had a long discussion and we argued about it a lot. From that point, I was honest.

Does your star status put pressure on your relationship?
My stardom doesn’t affect my relationship. Avantika was hurt when I was linked with Minissha. She was also friendly to Minissha. But she knows me well enough; she knew the truth of the situation. Beyond that, I’m not that friendly with any of my female co-stars.

But now, you’re a busy actor. You’ll be going to these long outdoor spells with your beautiful co-stars. There is scope for attraction.
There is scope. But I’ll take it as it comes.

You don’t look like a hard-core romantic.
I don’t do the Valentine’s Day thing and all that. I don’t like it and I can’t see myself doing it with a straight face. It never comes to me. It’s just the little things that actually make the relationship work. We fight, we argue, we discuss and we make up. These things nurture a relationship – not those gifting of soft toys and balloons. I take a lot of effort when it comes to these small things. Fine, I can turn up at her house every Sunday with champagne and roses but that’s not going to make my relationship work.

Aamir’s home production ‘Delhi Belly’ is something you’re looking forward to.
It’s the most exciting film I’ve done so far. It’s something else. It’s going to create a lot of waves when it’s released. I’m fortunate to have got such a film so early in my career.