/>Joginder Tuteja catches up with the young man who can't help but term Ramu as 'master' and opens up to talk about everything from his so-called comeback, perception about him in the industry, alleged link ups and excitement around working in Rakta Charitra amongst other things. Over to Vivek!

Isn't it surprising that media is calling Rakta Charitra as a big comeback when you have seen success regularly with Shootout At Lokhandwala (2007), Omkara (2006), Kaal (2005), Yuva (2004), Masti (2004), Dum (2003), Saathiya (2002), Road (2002) and Company (2001)?
Perception is a very potent weapon. Unfortunately, sometimes it is successfully used to alter reality. The funny thing is that until you pointed this observation out so clearly, even I never really saw my career this way. Perceptions about you can be so strong that sometimes even you yourself might end up believing them, even if they're untrue.

But clearly, it seems to be the case of people ignoring success and highlighting failure?
Despite all the games people can play, truth has its own destiny. Work so hard and do so well that people cannot ignore your success even if they want to. Give it your best, believe and leave the rest to god.

There were also stories around your frequent link ups with various women during last so many months. Was it a deliberate camouflage on your part to showcase the relaxed - I don't care' persona of yours?
Apparently, I am quite the candidate for imaginary link ups. I am flattered by most and some I even wish were true (smiles) but unfortunately, no such luck! If there's one thing I'm very bad at, it's camouflage.

The 'I don't care' persona you're referring to is an outcome of me realizing how hopelessly bad I am at putting on an image or faking a persona! It's too tiring to be plastic. Why be someone you are not when you can just be happy being yourself.

When Ramu narrated Rakta Charitra to you, what was going on in your mind at that moment - "The excitement about working with Ramu? The power that the character of Paritala Ravi carried? The incidents that led to you and Ramu moving away? The BIG movie that you could see yourself working in?" What was that one singular thought that came during that first meeting?
Ever since the day I finished filming for Company almost 7 years ago, I've been wanting and waiting to work with the master again. When I heard the character of Ravi and the epic legend of Rakta Charitra and saw how unbelievably excited Ramuji was, I felt it was worth waiting for 7 years to be offered this opportunity.

Is it the best of all worlds that you are eventually getting? After all you are now working in a high profile project, have a role that would see you dominating the screen would be returning with a film maker who is easily the best in drama genre and most importantly, have got an altogether different perception about you being built amongst audience ever since the announcement was made!
You are absolutely right. I couldn't have put it better, it is a dream come true.

It has been close to a fortnight since the announcement around Rakta Charitra was made. Of course there would be different talks behind your back and in front of you. Still, what are the kinds of reactions that you have gathered ever since you were signed on?
My phone has been flooded with congratulations! All over the net people have been so positive. My fans are even more excited and happy than I am and that makes me truly happy. I thank them for their constant belief, love and support.

You are currently in overseas shooting for Rensil's film. Aren't you missing all the attention that you could have gained were you in the city?
I have learned in my roller coaster ride of life that in Bollywood, too much attention can be a bad thing.

Coming to your other movies, there were a couple of them announced with you sometime back - UTV's 7G Rainbow Colony and an Anubhav Sinha/Vikram Bhatt collaboration. What's happening to them?
I am fortunate to have been signed by some great producers but to make good cinema we need good scripts and good scripts take time to develop. UTV and I have shared a long and strong relationship and I am glad they believe in me so much.

A question on the parting note. On the first day of shoot for Rakta Charitra, what are you going to say to Ramu?
It's good to be home (smiles).