In a free-wheeling chat with TWF correspondent Vickey Lalwani, Zayed Khan talks about his new film 'Rocky - The Rebel' and says he has contributed to its script as well.

Q: Tell us about your new release 'Rocky- The Rebel'?
A: The film is very close to my heart and may I add that it is in no way related to the Sanjay Dutt movie by the same name. 'Rocky- The Rebel' is a tale of a youngster (Zayed) going through turbulent times and the questions he asks society about truth, morality and justice. He wants things around him to improve.

And when that doesn't seem to happen inspite of all his earnest ways, he only had one option that remained. Turn into a rebel with a cause. As a result, the relationship between Rocky and his father deteriorates. Please don't ask me more. It will give everything away.

Q: There's one very dangerous scene you've done in 'Rocky- The Rebel'?
A: The scene in question is the opening shot of the film, precisely a song, wherein Zayed stands on the parapet of the top floor of a 40-storey building under construction. Producer Shyam Bajaj could easily have employed a double but I insisted that I wanted to do the shot himself. The shot was filmed in Hiranandani Complex, Powai.

Q: If your wife (Mallika) and parents (Sanjay and Zarine) had known what Zayed was going to do for a particular scene in Rocky- The Rebel, that scene would never have happened?
A: I don't want them to get a heart attack. So I told them about it, only after I had shot for it.

Q: Still, why did you do such a risky scene?
There was a need in the opening song itself to show that Rocky does something very crazy.

Q: Didn't you feel scared, especially when you looked down?
A: Well, I like to do most of my stunts myself. For this one, I did ponder a while but decided not to use a double because I was confident that I will pull it off. So, there was no question of feeling scared. As for looking down is concerned, the golden rule of heights is that you must look straight and not down. I simply followed that.

Q: A fact not known to many of your fans is that you are a skilled writer too?
A: (Smiles) I studied direction and acting at the London Film School. I wrote scripts and screenplays for three pounds and have over 250 scripts to my credit. I love scripting and I'd definitely like to nurture it. I started writing when I was struck with a slip disc last year. I have also contributed to the scripting of 'Rocky' though I don't want any credit for it.

Q: You are doing more of action roles?
Romantic action films are my forte and I want to do larger than life films that I myself would go and watch. I don't want to do films that preach too much. I hate being slotted in a particular image.

Q: What was the turning point in your career?
A: Definitely, Farah Khan's 'Main Hoon Na'. Fortunately I got a chance to work with a powerhouse of talent like Shah Rukh. The film has definitely propelled my growth. Farah is very clear in her mind about what she wants.

She actually navigated me through the scenes. If you give her one idea, she'll come up with a better one. And Shahrukh is family. He is very passionate about acting, motivates others, and has so much to give others in terms of learning.

Q: Can we peep into your kitty?
A: My other films include Anubhav Sinha's 'Cash' and Vikram Bhatt's 'Speed'. Then there is an untitled film with Anurag Basu, one with Feroz Nadiadwala to be directed by Ahmed Khan, another with Vashu Bhagnani.

Q: Has life changed after marriage?
A: One loses that sense of freedom post marriage. You can't really chill out with friends, leave the house without informing etc. On a serious note, my wife Mallika is a stringent critic and is an ardent fan of Shahrukh Khan. She liked me in 'Main Hoon Na', 'Shabd' and 'Dus'.