'I am not Shah Rukh, who charms people'

Akshaye Khanna is quite the elusive actor, who shows up only when his films are up for release. The actor puts down his behaviour to 'ultra shyness.'

He talks to Nithya Ramani about his film, Short Kut: The Con Is On, costarring Arshad Warsi and Amrita Rao. He also tells us why he thinks he did not make it to the A-list category in spite of being in the film industry for a little more than a decade.

What is Short Kut about?

It is about two characters -- a struggling actor, who wants to be a star and a struggling writer, who wants to become a great director. It is how these two achieve their goals. They have been friends for long but cannot stand each other.

I play Shekar and Arshad plays Raju. He steals my script and becomes a superstar. But I continue my struggle to make my way on top. There is a romantic track between Shekar and Mansi (Amrita Rao).

He sometimes gets tempted to take shortcuts but believes that there are no shortcuts in life.

It's a fun, entertaining film, with excellent characterizations.

Does the film imply that we should take shortcuts in life?

The film is about life, where you always have two options in front of you. This film tells you to choose the right path always. You may get success initially [if you choose the wrong path] but it is not long lasting. If you choose the hard way, you may take time to reach the top but it is long lasting.

How was it working with director Neeraj Vora?

I have known Neeraj for a long time. He has been Priyadarshan's writer from the beginning. I have worked with Priyan for a long time now, so I know Neeraj as a great writer. He has a good eye for acting and knows how to direct an actor. By that, I mean a director is good when he can convey what he wants without saying a word.

How was it working with your co-stars Arshad Warsi and Amrita Rao?

Amrita is a very sweet girl. She is good looking, beautiful and has a great body. She looks sexy in this film, and has a glam role.

Arshad is an awesome actor. I have seen his Munnabhai series and I must say he has outdone his Circuit character. I respect Arshad in this genre. He knows his skills.

Was it fun on the sets with him?

I am not a social person. I do my work and go back. I do not interact much with others. Arshad cracks jokes but filmmaking is a very serious business. There is no place for pranks.

Have you taken any shortcuts in life?

It is suicidal to take shortcuts in our profession. The longer you are in the industry, the more experience you gain. You can't afford to take shortcuts to reach the top.

But I loved cheating during my school exams. That's the biggest shortcut I have taken.

Do you think people in the industry take shortcuts?

As far as I can think of, I don't think anybody in the industry takes shortcuts. Neeraj might have taken instances from the film industry but he would be the best person to answer.

You always shy away from the media.

I am ultra shy. Not only with the media but anybody. Even at home, I feel uncomfortable if there are guests. I don't like reading about myself in the newspapers. I don't give interviews. I don't like socializing. I don't like to party or interact with people. I am in my own shell and like it very much there. It's only during my film's promotions that I talk to people.

I am not a fun person to interview. If the media expects something masaledaar and entertaining, you will be disappointed. If you come expecting a monotonous, boring interview, you will be satisfied. I am not Shah Rukh, who charms and entertains people.

You have been in the industry for a while now. Why do you think your career hasn't taken off yet?

I think it is destiny. I am putting my best foot forward. Becoming big or not is destiny. I don't know what the A-list means and what to do to be there.