After doing a single-hero film like Johnny Gaddaar, how did you feel sharing screen space with John Abraham in the film?
I've always maintained that I concentrate on character-based films. I don't understand the theory of multi-starrer or single-hero. For me, a character is the most important thing in a film. Johnny Gaddaar again was a film with five very important actors and their characters. Similarly, Kabir Khan's New York is not a star-based film. John Abraham, Katrina Kaif or Irrfan Khan has not been cast because they're stars. We've all been cast very well, and all the characters are very well connected in the film.

Do you prefer doing these kinds of offbeat roles?
It's not like I don't want to do lover boy roles. I'm a human being (who can feel love). But there is a potential in offbeat characters. There is so much play. As an actor, I would die for something like that.

What is the best thing about your character in New York, and what is the worst? How did you prepare for the role?
I love Omar's character… I simply love it! Like I said, the best thing is that the character grows from the beginning of the film to the end. One man has to deal with a lot of angst and in different ways. There were a lot of preparations – but all were mental and emotional.

How was it working with Katrina Kaif?
Katrina is a darling; she's a darling to work with. I'm not lying when I say this – I had an amazing time with her. She's a livewire, a prankster. I was surprised; she's a brilliant actor.

What are your forthcoming films?
Apart from New York, which releases in March 2009, Aa Dekhen Zara with Bipasha Basu is up for release (after that). Jail with Madhur Bhandarkar is in pre-production, while Tera Kya Hoga Johnny has, in fact, already been shown at film festivals abroad. I'm also doing two untitled films, one directed by Ken Ghosh and produced by Tips, and the other produced by Eros. These could be love stories.

Most of your contemporaries such as Imran Khan and Ranbir Kapoor are open about their love lives. So why are you so tight-lipped about it?
Most of the actors have something to accept. So they have accepted it. In my situation, I have nothing, so what will I accept?

What's the scene with your love life?
I might be in love. But I need a response. I will talk about it when there is a commitment.

You mean to say that you are not interested in a relationship.
No, not like that. Honestly, as far as love is concerned, I will not lie about the fact that I also want to experience love. I also have emotions and I too get attracted to women.

Do you have someone whom you like or wish to propose to?
There is a person whom I probably like. I am waiting for the right time to come and then I will confess to her about my feelings.