Everyone is unanimous in their opinion about you being the show stealer in ‘New York’. Did you anticipate this? 
I think that’s a huge compliment if anyone thinks that. But I think if it wasn’t for the chemistry of the three characters of the film, it won’t have culminated as it did. So everyone is equally responsible for it.

Before the film released, everyone thought that you were the second lead. But one was shocked to see you being the central character. The entire film revolved around you. Was that the reason you signed it in the first place? 
No, not really. I think Omar was a beautifully written and well-etched character. I consider myself lucky to have gotten such a complex character so early in my career. But when I read the script I personally felt that all the characters were strong enough.

Most of the critics have said that ‘New York’ is a one-man-show, pointing towards you. One hears that John is not too happy about it. He seems quite peeved with the fact that you’re getting all the glory. How are you going to handle this? 
Not at all. In fact, John is like an elder brother; without him the movie wouldn’t have been possible. If I have been noticed, it’s not just because of John but also because of Katrina, Irrfan Khan and Kabir Khan. I think Kabir Khan is the true hero of the film. John is not only happy but he’s also very proud of me. I think John is par excellence in the film and so is Katrina. I think this is Katrina’s best performance ever. And I have become a major fan of hers after this film. I have always looked up to John and idolized him. I love him from the bottom of my heart and I am waiting to work with him again.

John was also not happy with you being a part of Salman Khan’s TV show where he wasn’t invited. He believes that you should have supported him, especially after the way he was ignored. Is that also a sore point? 
John is above all these small things these things really don’t affect him. Besides, he had made it very clear in one of his interviews that Katrina and I were both part of the principal cast and we needed to go for the promotions and we went. And eventually it was for our film that we went and not for some personal agenda. It has not only helped the film but also helped everybody so he is perfectly okay with it. 

Did you expect to completely overshadow everyone else in the film like you have? 
No because then you get into the competition thing when you are trying very hard to do something like that. I believe that filmmaking is not a competitive field; it’s a creative one. The moment competition comes creativity disappears. 

‘New York’ success proves that you can shoulder the responsibility of an entire film. Do you feel more comfortable with your stardom now? 
‘New York’ had an emotional thing for me because I met two of my best friends in the industry, Katrina and John, on the sets of that film. With the film doing well, it got me a lot of praise and appreciation as an actor. Though it’s great to be appreciated, today, there is also the respect factor that comes in. Even right now, the combination is great, because the film got critical acclaim and is also a commercial success. So it’s a huge honour. 

Some people have also called ‘New York’ as ‘Neil York’. How does that make you feel? 
(Laughs) It’s overwhelming like I have been saying. What can I say? It’s very nice but luckily I have my parents who keep me extremely rooted and don’t let these things go to my head and encourage me to work hard. I am hoping I get to live up to their expectations. And as far as ‘Neil York’ is concerned, it’s very sweet whoever has said that, but ‘New York’ stays ‘New York’.