I’m not getting the kind of offers I’d like to take up: Kunal Khemu

You’re back after a long break. Why are you not signing new films?
Honestly, it’s to keep my fans in a place where they like my work. Sometimes, there is a lot of work and at other times, there is nothing at all. You make your choices out of the things that come to you. Choices are not made keeping in mind what’s going to work at the box office. We have all seen films that we hate, that do extremely well. I choose projects putting myself in the shoes of the viewer.

What made you say yes to Bhaag Johnny?
I got involved in the film around two years ago when Vikram (Bhatt) told me that he had a movie, which is not a horror one. When I sat for the narration, I absolutely loved the storyline and immediately said yes. I think it’s for the first time that we have a parallel screenplay. The film doesn’t have a double role, yet there are two characters with lots of layers.

Do you feel the pressure because of the long gap between your films?
I’d like to do films every two months but unfortunately, I am not getting the kind of offers I’d like to take up. I will never do a film because I have not done a movie for a long time. I would like it when people, who love my work, say that ‘I like his work in this one’ as opposed to ‘I waited for so long for his film and he is so bad’.

So, box office numbers don’t affect you?
Of course they do, it is extremely important. But like I said, if I knew what works at the box office, I would make sure to grab it and secure my position.

Is Bhaag Johnny a film difficult to sell to the audience?
I feel this is the time for high-concept films. Nobody wanted to make a film like Go Goa Gone but when we made it, we realised that people actually loved it. Everybody in the industry has a great body, great acting skills, hence the only different thing I can offer is a concept. I am lucky enough to get the opportunity to do this film, which is packaged so well.

Does Soha have a say in the roles you choose?
We do discuss the films that we both want to do. But the final decision is always ours. We do talk about what we like in the film, what we fear and bounce off ideas. I respect her as a professional, not just as a partner.

Karan Johar has shared a very impressive fitness video of yours. What fitness tips would you like to give away?
Don’t get carried away. Work hard and you will get the results sooner or later. There are several products out there in the market that seem great, but there are a lot of people I know who’ve suffered the side-effects due to their use — some even fatal. I have always stayed clean from all of that. You don’t need to kill yourself to get there. I am not saying that all steroids are bad, but you need to take them under proper guidance.

Sonam Kapoor shared her views on meat ban and got trolled. Do you think celebrities are vulnerable on social media?
I am not aware of Sonam’s tweet. But as a celebrity, you have to be prepared to deal with the repercussions of a comment on social media. However, the medium also helps clear the air if you have been misquoted. But I am not for updating mundane details of life.