'Zee Cine Stars Ki Khoj' winner Sarwar Ahuja is excited about his next film, inspite of everything that went wrong with his very first release, 'Khanna & Iyer'.

Q: So, how is the shooting for 'Hum Fir Milen Na Milen' going on?
A: The shooting is almost complete for this film and only one item song is left to be picturised.

Q: I have heard you were signing autographs for one hour for your female fans?
A: (Laughs) Yeah you heard it right. It was all fun shooting for this movie. We shot the film in Shimla and you know what a beautiful place it is. My heroine is a new comer called Khushi Govil who is the granddaughter of Tabassum.

Q: How did you bag this film?
A: I was shooting for 'Khanna& Iyer' when the producer called me up for a meeting. They narrated me the story and I liked it. Though it's their first movie but they are very enthusiastic.

Q: Till what extent do you think, you were benefited from Zee Cinestars Ki Khoj?
A: Frankly speaking, had this show of Zee wasn't there, I wouldn't have been able to come to Mumbai. It helped me to ignite my passion. I remember, I had just completed my MBA and had nothing left in my life to complete.

I mean my education was over and it was the time to fulfill my dream of becoming a film star. I was totally new to Bollywood and this show helped me to know the industry. As you know, here there are more people who just talk and less who actually work.

Q: I heard you have started a restaurant recently. Did you start it from your own earnings?
A: No, actually it was started by one of my family friends who is very close and like a brother to me. The restaurant is called 'Delhi Delights'. I have no investments in this business nor do I have any financial interests.

Q: Are you disappointed by the performance of your debut film?
A: See, I feel every start has its own troubles. What is important for me is I got a good break and my film was released in every multiplex in the country and the whole country watched it.

I always look at things positively and would rather say that nobody knows whether a film is a hit or a flop before its release. All the actors including me worked hard and sincerely for the film and the industry appreciated my performance and look I am getting offers now.

Q: It seems, impressed by your performance Mr. Ghai rewarded you with a three-film contract?
A: Yes, you are right.

Q: Considering the delay in your debut film's release, did you feel anytime that the project (Khanna & Iyer) isn't being taken seriously by the producer or the channel?
A: Do you think I am like Hrithik Roshan or Akshay Kumar who had to worry about the film? In fact I was a newcomer who was ignorant about the functions of the film industry.

For me, the big names like Zee and Mukta Arts associated with my film were more important rather than thinking about the fate of the film. I knew I was going to get a good start sooner or later. So no regrets for whatever delay happened.

Q: You won the contest in Dec. 2004 and your film got released in 2007. What were you doing all this time?
A: Hey, I have completed three films during this period. Actually, according to the contract with Zee none of my films could release before 'Khanna & Iyer'. My next release is 'Hum Fir Milen Na Milen' in June 2007 and another film with film maker Basu Chatterjee is also ready.

Q: So, Zee's responsibility towards you is over now or are you still bound by any contract?
A: Yes, I am free from the contract with Zee now and free to work with any producer.

Q: Do you think these types of shows really help the contestants?
A: Well, these types of shows are like a window which give you an opportunity to exploit your talent, otherwise how come any outsider would know how to come here and whom to approach. I hardly knew anything about the film business.

Though I was a double MBA, I was totally ignorant. So, these shows help the aspirants to know the cut throat competition that exists here and make them realise whether they will be able to achieve their dreams or not. If not they can return home safely at least and continue with their old profession.

Q: You think winners escape the struggle that the others are made to go through?
A: It's nothing like that dear. Here, there is struggle at every level. For me it was first struggle to complete my film, then I faced the struggle of its release and after that I am struggling to get more films.

Even an actor like Abhishek Bachchan has to struggle to give his best performance in films. Don't ever think there are free goodies for anybody.

Q: How many films are there in you hands now?
A: I have completed two films and have signed two new projects. These new films are being made by new producers from Delhi. One of them will be directed by Vinay Mudgal who was with Rajshree for 15 years.

Q: How are you promoting yourself? Any god father, any secretary or PRO?
A: I don't have any godfather but I have a secretary who also handles business for Abhay Deol and Soha Ali Khan. His name is Furkan Qureshi.

Q: Are you in touch with any of your co-contestants like Sharad Malhotra, Divyanka Tripathy or Yuvika Chaudhry?
A: (Feels delighted) Yes we meet sometimes and whenever it is possible we party together. It feels very nice to see them because at one point we all were together. I feel very happy for them for whatever success they have got and are popular too. - Amit Narnoli