Is every Shah a prince in waiting?

What inspired you to take up this role?

In the film, I play the role of Chris, a senior in a medical college. It’s a layered character; his mind is crazy and works a lot. His peers look at him with a lot of respect. And I found the role interesting because he’s an erratic genius who is mischievous and has darker shades to his personality, which is revealed as the film progresses.

How was the experience shooting for the film?

It was a fun character and so we had a lot of fun shooting the film.

How has the journey in the industry been for you till now?

The experience has been good, varied and interesting. Each film comes with its set of experiences and good memories. While shooting for Dil Dosti Etc in Delhi, the whole crew was here for two and half months. The shoot happened all over North Delhi and Old Delhi. The bike that was used in the film was with me, so I had a good time… I wandered around and explored the place. Like I said, each film brings with it its share of nice moments and the unit forms a small family. So, it’s great. Right now, I’m enjoying playing different characters, building new characters and looking forward to being a part of a movement of better films.

Did you always want to be an actor?

I always was an actor. I have been on stage since I was three. I always wanted to make films, the experience and knowledge I am gaining working with other actors is invaluable.

Your father is the legendary and versatile actor Naseeruddin Shah. Was it a conscious decision to follow him?

No, it’s not a conscious decision as such. Each character I pick is because of my own values in life and tastes in storytelling. I’ve turned down big budget and big banner films because of this reason. I think we should support the cinema we believe in, and movies that are being made today are the future of Indian films. Even my father was a part of such a movement in the 70s; steering away from the hardcore, overbearing commercial cinema. Films are becoming very good today, and the difference between parallel and commercial cinema is less. The boundaries are less.

Do your parents help you in making your career decisions?

Yes, they do help me out. We do talk a lot about the industry, and they give me guidance as they have been here for long. We are good friends first and respect each other. They would never be overbearing with their opinions. They are pretty cool.

Do you have a favourite actor?

I look up to Irrfan Khan. He has great body language and talks smoothly. That is the kind of stuff that should be done today.

You play music as well. So, which do you prefer – Imaad the actor or Imaad the musician?

The comparison is not relevant. The Indian film industry has matured a lot and people can express themselves well now. You’ll hear my music in this film. I’ve written the lyrics too. It’s my debut as a lyricist. The music is grimy with colloquial Hindi lyrics. I think today it is possible to do both.

What all should we look forward to from Imaad in the future?

There are some films releasing this year, which I wouldn’t really talk about right now. The spectrum of work is varied and I’m trying out various stuff. Versatility is really the key for me as an actor, and I’m really trying to work on my body language and gestures and trying to master that.

Are you happy to be where you are at this point?

I’m happy but I’m restless as well…There’s a lot of fire in me to do good work.