All laws of attraction fall short when this ‘Johnny Gaddaar' shouts ‘Aa Dekhen Zara' from his ‘Jail' in ‘New York'. Yet Neil Nitin Mukesh tells India Blooms correspondent Sreya Basu in Kolkata that it is a simple girl he is looking for.

You are four films old now. So how has been your experience in the Hindi film industry so far?
Know what! This is the best time for an actor to enter Bollywood. Filmmakers as well as the audience are now accepting newcomers in films of all genres. I am in the best part of this era. Or else, tell me, where else can a ‘Johnny Gaddaar' work as a debut film for an actor...a grey character becoming hero! Now-a-days heroes are getting more character-based roles to prove themselves.

But your dad (Nitin Mukesh) was reportedly not happy with your debut film?
(Smiles) True. Since I am Mukesh's grandson and Nitin Mukesh's son, my dad was scared a bit with me portraying a grey character in my very first film.

But the day he saw the first screening of the film, he said: ‘I respect you son...you have given me what I couldn't even give myself.' That was one of the greatest days of my life. However, at an early age, I had realized that I have a big responsibility...I have two names attached to my name; that's why I am Neil Nitin Mukesh.

I have to go forward with the burden of all their achievements and goodwill. So I can, in no way, let them down. And thankfully, my parents also have that confidence in me....they know I will never take a wrong decision.

You said you have a ‘burden' of your grandfather and your dad's name. But Mukesh's name surely helped you to get a foot in the industry?
The Mukesh tag really helped me to reach out to people; but after that it's his and my dad's reputation that I have to constantly take care of. Or else people will point fingers and say Mukesh's grandson is like this or like that.

With your latest release ‘Jail', you somewhat became the first male protagonist of a Madhur Bhandarkar film...
I know. But let me tell you it's a myth that men are strong...they are not; I can tell you now that I have done ‘Jail'. I was mentally involved with the character of Parag Dixit in the film.

I didn't bath for 5 days because I felt the moment water will flow down my head I will disconnect with Parag. I was completely cut off from my family and friends for over 40 days. I got myself bashed by my best friends to get myself into the psychology of my character.

Make-up is there to handle appearances but its more about the mental state. Trust me, now I exactly know how a man feels when he is raped...'miserable' is a small word to describe his state.

Your Full Monty act also grabbed eyeballs...
I was ready to do anything for ‘Jail'. And besides, we didn't do that scene for publicity...that happens in real jails. Everyone was asking if I was comfortable shooting the scene.

But nobody asked me how relevant and important that scene was for the storyline! By now you know, that scene was the trigger point of all incidents. And I think Indian audience has to get out of this mediocrity.

One of the all time hit films of the world is ‘Titanic'. There is nude scene in that film too. But we remember the film, not for that scene but for the love story.

Most of Madhur's films are known for grabbing awards for the actors. So are you eyeing some this year?
Award is something that's an important part of an actor's life. It's a moral boost that you have done well and your efforts have been paid. But it's better not to expect anything ...let time decide for me.

Don't you think men in Bollywood are becoming sex objects with actors like John Abraham, Hrithik Roshan, and now you, of course, showing more skin than the girls?
Men of the Hindi film industry have always been sex objects...in all eras. In fact, Dharamji (Dharmendra) and Amitabh Bachchan are perfect examples of sex objects in Bollywood. But it's not about how much skin they showed, but their personalities. They were, in fact, are alpha males.

You have sung in ‘Aa Dekhen Zara' and ‘Jail'. So any plans for more playbacks?
If people like my voice why not! I am extremely passionate about music. I am not a trained singer but I sing with my heart. I also compose; play the piano and the keyboards...so, music is something that I will always be connected with.

How much stardom has changed you?
I know it sounds cliché...but true. I am still the same Neil...simple and grounded; and will remain so.

Do you have a friend in the industry?
Yes there are a few. But my closest friend in the industry is Madhur Bhandarkar. He is my elder brother, my guide.

Do you have a dream role?
I would love to do ‘Catch Me If You Can'.

Is there a dream actor you want to work with?
Amitabh Bachchan...it's every one's dream to work with a true star like him.

You are also into endorsements these days...
Yes... I am endorsing Sparx shoes and Morellato watches. There is a third product that is in the pipeline.

Are you brand conscious?
That depends on what I am carrying. I don't want to be showcased as factory outlets. I prefer Prada and Gucci. Narendra Kumar is the man behind mu looks in all my films...I love him and his designs. I also love Shane and Peacock creations. Generally, I am very happy with a pair of nice blue denims and a white shirt.

What are the two things you can't do without?
My turquoise rosary beads and watch

Tell us about your diet.
My diet depends on my films. My body keeps fluctuating according to my roles. Like, for ‘New York', I put on 9 kgs...got 16 inch biceps.

I had to cut that for ‘Jail' and spot a lean look because, I didn't want my character to flex muscles inside his cell. Nornally, when I have to put on weight, I eat everything. And when I need to lose weight, I have steamed fish and boiled vegetables. I love to binge on sweets, but only when on holidays.

You have a huge female fan following. What kind of girl are you looking for?
Simple, smart and stylish.

Is she Priyanka Bhatia?
(Smiles)