Ram Gopal Varma's 'Shiva' releases Friday. Mohit Ahlawat, who plays Shiva, talks to TWF correspondent Vickey Lalwani on the film and lots more...

Q: Is 'Shiva' a remake of Ramu's Shiva' or 'James'?
A: One reason why Ramu has stayed silent in the recent past is whether 'Shiva' is a remake of his first Hindi film 'Shiva', or 'James'. The whole idea of making 'James' was to make an action film in the style of the 1970s and 80s.

It was meant to be a contemporary 'Shiva'. By the time it came out, it was nothing like what it was planned to be. The new 'Shiva' is a remake of his old one, but in a way that 'James' was meant to be.

Q: Tell us something about 'Shiva'?
A: The old 'Shiva' was about one man's fight against campus violence. In this 'Shiva', I play a cop just out of the police academy, faced with a harsh reality he isn't prepared for.

Q: You are basically from Delhi. What made you come to Mumbai?
A: I always wanted to become an actor and that's why I planned to come to Mumbai, the capital of glamour industry. After coming here I decided never to return.

First, I was bowled over by the lovely office that Ramu has. Seriously speaking, I wanted to do a Ram Gopal Varma film because he is the one who gives chances to the newcomers.

Q: How did you bag the film 'James' then?
A: Bhushan Kumar, T-Series owner is close to us and he fixed an appointment to meet Ramu. I luckily got the chance to meet Ramu. I showed my pictures to him. It clicked instantly. I had a gut feeling that I will do 'James' and I did it... (Smiles).

Q: You co-starred with Nisha Kothari in 'James' and now again 'Shiva'. How was it to work with her?
A: Nisha is a very friendly and understanding kind of girl with no fuss. No nakhras. Very professional, I must say. This made the atmosphere at the sets very comfortable.

Q: Your next film is the remake of 'Sholay' where you play the character of Jai. How do you feel to render such a character?
This is not only a big opportunity but a responsibility. I could just dream of working with Amitji and now it is coming true.

Q: Have you seen 'Sholay'? How many times?
A: I don't remember exactly, but I have definitely seen it many times.

Q: You will be compared to Amitabh?
That would be unfair, but inevitable, I guess. I cannot do what Amitji did in Sippy's film. But yes, I have consciously tried my best effort so that I don't let my fans and director down.

Q: Any other projects?
A: I have bagged many offers from other banners but currently I haven't signed any film.

Q: What do you think about your mentor Ram Gopal Verma?
A: There is no doubt that he is a good producer. He manages and arranges things very properly. The kind of publicity he gives for his films is fantastic. Personally he has been a confidante for me throughout the film.

He has guided me and also given me lots of tips. What I am is simply because of him. If he wasn't making films, Mohit may not have made his debut.

Q: You became a father recently?
A: Yes. Wife Sai delivered the baby at Lilavati hospital on July 15th. The girl has been named Anvi which means 'beautiful soul' in Sanskrit. (Mohit and Sai had a love marriage on May 11, 2005. The wedding had taken place in Delhi, Ahlwat's hometown).