An actor has to keep evolving. So, much to the surprise of Imran Khan’s fans, the pretty boy they had so far known as a chocolate-box hero suddenly emerged as an obscenity-spouting journalist in Delhi Belly. But that, he stresses, is the way of the industry.

“I am quite a shy person by nature. I am not loud. Since I am pursuing this profession, I am fine with it as long as I just have to act in front of the camera,” says Imran. “We are put to test with every film of ours.”

Three years after he arrived in Bollywood with a bang in a film launched by his uncle, the actor-director-producer Aamir Khan, Imran today is vastly different from the hesitant young man who marked his debut as a hero in Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na.

Today the 28-year-old is no longer a diffident newcomer. Neither boring nor defensive, he comes through as someone who knows his mind. His sense of humour is infectious — and his passion for cinema all consuming. The actor has strong views on the ways of the industry. And nothing works him up more than attempts in some quarters to make films that seek to ape Hollywood.

“Our movies are known for our culture, so why pretend to make them in the Hollywood style? We are not supposed to make their kind of films. Acknowledge what our country is and what knowledge we get from it,” he stresses.

Clearly it’s a subject that’s close to his heart. “Indians are loud — we like to dance, sing and do drama. We have to keep these things in mind and understand the emotions of our people. All I feel is that Bollywood should remain as it is,” says Imran. “Hollywood movies in India work only for a certain section of society.”

In times when multiplexes have changed the essence of Hindi films, Imran sounds like a bit of an anachronism. Filmmakers all around him are experimenting with scripts and structures, but Imran believes there is nothing quite like the traditional Bollywood film. “It will always remain something different from others. Commercial films will never die in the industry. Lots of people think that dance, songs and lip-sing are bullshit. Many filmmakers have started making movies for a different audience, which they call films of international standards. But such movies make no sense to me.”

BOLLYWOOD MASALA: Imran Khan and Shenaz Treasury in Delhi Belly

We know where that’s coming from. After all, his grandfather was the great Nasir Hussain, who was behind a host of successful song-and-dance films. “Every actor or filmmaker who comes from a film background is there because of the traditional movies. The clothes that we wear, the food that we eat — everything comes from this industry. We are paid for our songs and dance and you cannot stop that.”

His grandfather, he points out, has made movies in the “traditional” way. “He was known for his musical touch in filmmaking. Today we live in a bungalow or have cars just because of these things. I think people should be proud of who we are and where we come from,” says Imran.

His next film — Yash Raj Films’ Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (MBKD) — is possibly in the traditional mould that Imran revels in. In the film, he plays the romantic lead opposite Katrina Kaif, who has been singing paeans to her two co-stars — Khan and Ali Zafar.

“It is a lot of fun to work with the new guys because they are of your age, they do funny and nonsensical things,” says Katrina. “Imran is a very sweet guy to hang around with.”

Imran reveals that he had decided he wouldn’t act in the film, directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. “But one day my mom read the script and told me that I had to do the movie because it was a great comedy. And now I have realised the heroic character which I have played is a meticulously simple character which everyone can identify with,” says the actor.

A song from MBKD — slated for release early next month — has incorporated the signature dancing styles of the three Khans of Bollywood — Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir. “Salman Khan has his own style of dance. His electrifying dancing style not only sets the silver screen ablaze but is also very popular. His charisma attracts the audience. Shah Rukh Khan is full of energy and has his own dignified steps which again are liked by all,” he says. And Aamir mamu? “Aamir mamu is charming enough, so his thudding steps create a thunder in the hearts of the onlookers.

“So who is the best of them all? Imran, as you’d expect, is suitably diplomatic. “I am no one to evaluate them. All I can say is that the song is a tribute to all of them from our side. Their mesmerising persona has made them what they are today. Each one is very different but is still appealing.”

In an industry that is dominated by the Khans, does young Imran feel intimidated? “Time and things have changed now. For me there are no Khans, probably I’ll have to compete with the Kapoors.” Is he hinting at Ranbir Kapoor, whose ex-flame he will be romancing with in MBKD?

Imran Khan is not telling. He is not his uncle’s nephew for nothing.