Shiney Ahuja at Hyatt Regency on Sunday. Picture by Bishwarup Dutta

Shiney Ahuja came to town for the Rotary Club of Rabindra Sarobar District Assembly 2009-2010, at Hyatt Regency on Sunday. The intense and down-to-earth actor had a chat with t2, during which he confessed that he would not mind spending his “entire life with the camera rolling”...

You are playing the part of an American in the Hollywood production Silver Cord. How did this project come your way?

I got a call from the LA-based director James (Ordonez) who wanted to speak to me. I was really impressed by the narration and its producer is the very famous Michael Shane — the guy behind Catch Me If You Can. And then there is Val Kilmer. I loved him in The Saint. I am looking forward to this project. We start shooting for it post-July.

What challenges does the role present?

I have to make myself believe that I belong to this different society. So I need to study and inculcate the being of a guy brought up in America. That I think will be the main challenge.

When will Har Pal release? What is your role in the film?

It’s my first romantic comedy and it releases perhaps in July. It’s too early to talk about the film. All I can reveal is that I play Rohit, an advertising photographer, and Preity Zinta is my co-star in the film (by Jahnu Barua).

Which co-star do you feel most comfortable with on screen?

I am comfy with all my actresses. They are all great women independently. But if I have to choose one, I get along well with Soha (Ali Khan). Right now I am shooting with her for Accident where I play this US-returned IT guy.

Your fave song…

Kya mujhe pyaar hai (Woh Lamhe)

What is the source of your sex appeal?

I don’t know! You should tell me (laughs). Usually my fans only tell me about my performances, never about my looks… they should (winks).

Your style statement...

Fashion for me is white shirt and blue jeans. I am mostly dressed in tees and jeans. I am never really dressed up and I am not a brand freak. I just have to love the clothes I wear.

Your wardrobe must-haves…

It has to be shoes and belts. I love my Diesel shoes and I wear a lot of Nike sneakers.

Your worst fashion faux pas...

There were many in school. I did a play in school where I played Richard III. I looked miserable in that cape I wore. It was a complete mismatch of colours. Then my outfit for this party in school… I was in Class X or XI. A friend convinced me and I went there in a hideous red shirt and white jacket.

Most stylish Bolly/Holly actor...

I like Mr Bachchan both on and off screen.

Sexiest Bolly/Holly actress...

Jessica Alba, Liv Tyler and Rekha. They are all very sensuous.

If you were marooned on an island who/what would you take along?

I would take nothing along and enjoy the peace!

Shiney the romantic hero or Shiney the gangster…

Once in a while evil is nice but I relate more to romantic roles. A few days ago it was my wife Anupam’s birthday so I was taking her out for dinner and then acted as if I had forgotten the car keys and went back into the house. I had actually thrown her a surprise party and she got to meet all her friends that she hadn’t met in a while. They were all waiting inside.... I think that’s romantic.

Turning point in your career...

Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Gangster.

About Calcutta...

I love Calcutta for its people.

If not an actor you would be...

A scientist.

Did you vote?

No, because of my shoots I was outside Mumbai. But in politics its very simple. If too many people vote for a party, the party wins!