Punit Malhotra lets the praise for I Hate Luv Storys sink in

It has been an endless round of merrymaking at Punit Malhotra's home ever since I Hate Luv Storys released. The debutant director has been keeping tabs on box-office collections of his Imran Khan-Sonam Kapoor starrer and has been attending congratulatory calls. As he takes a breather we ask B-Town designer Manish Malhotra's nephew...

How have you been celebrating?
There have been endless rounds of cakes and desserts. Like a typical Punjabi family, the celebratory khaana does not seem to end in the Malhotra khandaan. These are all unofficial celebrations but we do plan to have an official big bash at a later stage.

The best compliment you have received for the film?
My grandmother thinks I should bag the Oscar while my mother feels the National Award. But they are family so they can say anything. But the best compliment has come from director Mansoor Khan.

Imran told me that his uncle had seen the film and loved it. He said that I was one of the new directors to look out for. For Mansoor Khan to make such a statement is a big thing for me. I was jumping with joy.

Did you do anything special to invoke divine intervention or seek luck for the film's success?
Nothing. I am not at all superstitious. All this was left to the others and their prayers have paid off for me. My mother would apply a kaala tikka when I left home. Manish did his temple rounds and also walked to Siddhi Vinayak on the eve of the release. And I know Karan also did his bit.

Have you been doing the rounds of the theatres to see the reaction first-hand?
I visited some multiplexes but the response at Gaiety theatre was something else. I was shocked to see the way the audience was reacting. They made me aware of stuff, which even I had not noticed in the film.

You often went bare-chested during the shoot of IHLS?
Yes, I did... it was my way to express my happiness not to display my six-pack abs.... in fact I don't have them!

You wanted to be an actor?
Yes, that's after I develop my six-pack abs. I had done a portfolio shoot but all that was before I started IHLS.

Your next step? Acting or direction again?
I have not thought of anything yet. I am keeping all my options open. I take each day as it comes. If it is something nice whether acting or directing, I will take it. I have to earn my bread and butter. First I need to take some time off to clear my mind before planning my next move. I have a three-film contract with Dharma Productions.

Have you assisted your uncle Manish Malhotra?
It was for exactly three days. He sent me to source fabrics for his collection. The shopkeeper asked me do I want crepe or butter crepe then this and that! I could not take it and ran faster than a bullet train.

Even during IHLS, I used to tell him the situation and he would provide the options, then things would be easier for me to choose from. But Manish is a sounding board, we discuss a lot of things and I will always be there for him. He is tied up in too many things and when he makes his film, I will be there for him.