He is known for his off beat films and challenging roles. After 16 years of his acting career, he has donned the mantle of a film director/actor in his new film You, Me, aur Hum. The film also has Kajol, the highly acclaimed actress and his wife, in the female lead.

Excerpts from an interview:

What inspired you to become a film director?

An idea of a film that has been incubating in my head for years. I wrote it down and developed the screenplay and then I realised that in order to do full justice to it, I would have to direct it. I was quite definite about my vision and how it could be translated into a great film. This is the essence of filmmaking. It is an inspirational endeavour.

Did you take it up as a challenge?

No. I did not want to prove anything. I was mainly inspired by the idea and my vision of it. I wanted to share it with people.

What are the problems you faced as the first time director?

Usual issues that are faced by any director, a debutant or an established one. I have been into film direction from the very beginning of my career. I have been living and loving films since the age of eight as my father was into films as well. I was Shekhar Kapoor’s assistant at one point of time. What is important here is your vision and commitment to your work. You also need a good team around you. Everything falls into place after that.

You were directing a highly accomplished actress like Kajol. How was the experience?

It was a privilege and a matter of pride for me. She is undoubtedly one of the best performers that we have in the industry. That made my task easier. It helped a great deal that she was also the producer of the film and was involved with the development of the script from the beginning and was aware of every nuance of the character she had to play.

How would you explain to her about what she was supposed to do?

It was not really needed. As I said, she was with the project right from the beginning. She knew about it as much as I.
People like the promos of the films.

It is very satisfying news for me. Whatever you see in these promos are excerpts from the film. We did not shoot them separately as is normally done these days. The success of the promos is an indication that the audiences will also like the film.

Kajol looks vibrant, beautiful, and fresh in the promos as if it is her debut.

Thanks for saying so. I believe that good things just happen and then they go on happening. Since people like the promo of the film, I am sure they will like the film as well. I have a feeling that everything has worked in it, the screenplay, the characterisation, the performances, the cinematography, the music, etc. A film clicks when all these elements are in perfect sync. That is the biggest challenge before a filmmaker. I hope I have succeeded in my efforts.

We have heard that the film has been shot on a big cruise liner.

Yes. We have shot a major part of the film on Star Cruise. It was a great and a very enjoyable experience. We also shot some portions of the film on sets in Filmistan Studio.

You, Me, aur Hum is a romantic film. Have you tried to explore some new facets of love and romance?

A dialogue in the film sums up its core theme. It talks about how passionate and romantic we are while pursuing our love interest. Things change after we have what we wanted. We take things for granted thereafter. Whereas the same spirit of romance and passion is needed to ensure that the relationship continues to bloom and blossom. It is not that we would never have problems in a marriage. What is needed is the understanding that no problem is bigger than the people we love and care for.

Give us a few hints about the story..

It is the story of a boy, who woos a girl, then they get married, and whatever happens after that. It is a realistic film and the audience will be able to identify with the characters and issues tackled in it. I will be happy if my film brings families together.

Is it a serious film?

No, no. It is a highly romantic film with ample doses of humour and drama. It is a very positive film and teaches us to lead our lives happily amidst so much of negativity around us. It is about-facing the problems of life with a smile on your face and be able to turn the negatives into positives. This is what I believe in personally.

Who dominated whom in the film? The actor Ajay or the director Ajay?

Both played their parts to the best of their abilities.

You have worked with the best of directors. Has your direction style been inspired by any one of them?

I don’t think so. This film is a projection of my vision and understanding of the film’s subject. Others work with their own vision. You cannot actually compare the work of different filmmakers in this manner.

What are your forthcoming films?

Golmaal Returns with Rohit Shetty and Toonpur Ka Super Star.
It is said that you are making Toonpur Ka Super Star for your daughter Nysa.
I am making it for children like her. She watches cartoon films like all other children. Even I like cartoon films. So, it is a film for parents like me as well.

Are you still doing films with Rajkumar Santoshi?

We are working on Ramayan and Ashoka. Let the screenplay of these films be ready first. We will think about it after that.

Which is your next film as a director?

I am an actor first. I will only direct if I have some inspiring idea like You, Me, & Hum. I do have a few subjects in my head, but I have yet to get passionate about them.

You are an action star. Does You, Me, aur Hum have action scenes?

No. I would like to direct an action film though, one of these days. I am looking for a good subject.

How certain are you about the success of the film?

Absolutely certain. Not because of anything else, but the fact that we have worked hard and with honesty and it shows in the final product. And in spite of being an entertainer, it is a meaningful film. I am very enthusiastic about it and I am sure the audience is going to love it.

Why are you so media shy?

I am a lazy guy and I am not good at giving interviews. You know, it is so tough and tiring answering the same questions, so many times. I am not as gifted as many others in this respect. I have to prepare a lot before every interview, mentally, emotionally, and even physically. I prefer to have limited interaction with people who I know very well. I have a few friends who I occasionally spend time with. I also prefer being with my family as much as possible.

What do you do when you are at home? You play with Nysa?

Yes. And I cook for my family. I am a good cook.