You played a football benefit match in Pune recently and scored four goals and were declared ‘Man  Of The Match’...

I’ve always been  passionate about football, though I haven’t played much football since school. I went for this one because it was for a good cause. And Salman Khan was also associated with it. About  the four goals, I just got lucky, I guess. Our captain was Sohail Khan.

Wow!

I  feel every  person should be  passionate about some  sport or the other. It teaches you the importance of team spirit and winning. 

You play a Casanova in the new Yashraj Film?

The film is called Bachna Ae Haseenon. I wouldn’t say that. It’s the journey of this man and the different relationships in  various phases of his life.

Why was Katrina Kaif’s role knocked off?

It was getting too long. We had lots of discussions. And  it  was in the best interest of the film.

But why poor Katrina?

Nothing personal. And it wasn’t only because we hadn’t shot her episode as yet.

Apparently you get to kiss all your heroines in Bachna Ae Haseenon?

That’s absolutely incorrect.

And now you’re doing another film with Katrina?

Yes. And I had no hand in it. She was already part of Raj Kumar Santoshi’s film when it came to me. It’s a lovely romantic comedy. I haven’t started pre-production on it. But I’m looking forward to working with Mr Santoshi who’s one of my favourite directors. He’s definitely one of the master storytellers  of our times. He’s worked with my father in Damini. And now it’s my turn.

Have you been offered Aamir Khan’s Delhi Belly?

Yes, I have. I’m honoured that someone of Mr Aamir Khan’s talent wants me to work in his film. We’re working on the dates. I’d love to be part of  it.

There were rumours that you are in Mani Ratnam’s film?

I am, actually. But not in the Abhishek-Aishwarya one. He has contacted me for a film that he wants to do next year. I really want to work with him. I also want to work with Imtiaz Ali, Aditya Chopra, Farhan Akhtar… oh, so many  directors. I’m like a kid at a toy store.

You’ve been linked with a gallery of gorgeous women in the last two years?

I think it’s very unfair for the women who are linked so carelessly with me. I can imagine how embarrassing it is for the girl and her family. Very incorrect. Me being linked with Sonam Kapoor was inevitable. Every time two newcomers do a film together they’re supposed to be involved. We’ve been friends since childhood. She’s an amazing girl. Anyone would want her as a girlfriend. But we aren’t seeing one another.

So are you seeing somebody?

Yes, I am.

Are you seeing Deepika Padukone?

Yes, I am. 

How long  have you been seeing her?

Deepika and I have been dating for the past couple of weeks.

Weren't  you linked with her earlier also?

I was. But at that time we were just friendly. We weren’t seeing each other.

So is this serious?

Do I look like a frivolous person to you? But before you ask, we aren’t getting married right away. Let’s see where it goes. And neither are we going to sign films just to be together. She has her career to  focus on. I’ve mine. Coincidentally we started  our careers on  the same Friday. We’ve our priorities in place. 

Tell me about Deepika.

Beyond all the grace and dignity she projects, she’s also very simple and shy. She has simple needs. She’s caring. And she respects her family. I really like that. Also she’s an independent career woman  at just 22. She’s achieved so much in so little time. I’m extremely proud of her achievements. And I’m so happy to be part of her life.

When did you get close with her?

While we were shooting  in Australia for a month for Bachna Ae Haseenon. That’s when we really got to know each other. Then we shot a Pepsi ad together when we  returned to Bombay. 

Have you met her parents?

Oh yes! They’re extremely nice and caring people.

And has she met your parents?

Oh yes. I confide everything in my mother. So there was no way I could be in a serious relationship without my parents knowing.

Finally, how does life look  to you?

I’m extremely happy about the appreciation I got for  my first film. My parents are very proud of  me, and that makes me happy. And I’m very happy in my relationship with Deepika.  I want to be this way all the time.