Randeep Hooda with Nandana Dev Sen in Rang Rasiya

You have the image of being a ladies’ man. How did you acquire it?

May be it’s my North Indian charm coupled with education. But that’s a great compliment for a man.

Are you a chauvinist?

I have a lot of respect for women. I think they are far superior to men.

Who is the perfect woman for you?

I’m still looking for her. I’m still single! She has to be intelligent, have great eyes, a lovely smile and a hearty laugh. Women who don’t laugh are not sexy. They could be in Blahniks or Bata chappals but they should have poise and tenderness. Too many women today are trying to become like men, it’s a great put off.

Why?

Because I am not homosexual!

Do you find powerful women man-like?

No. Usually powerful women are not very man-like. They’re very feminine; that’s why they’re powerful. Femininity has no substitute.

Have you dated a powerful woman?

Of course!

Has the experience been any different from dating a normal girl?

No. They’re all women at the end of the day… one should recognise that; and that’s why I was able to go out with them at the first place. I only saw the woman, instead of seeing the power.

Do you think the man-woman equation has changed today?

Absolutely! Women and men are on par right now in most issues; and in fact, women are taking over many aspects, which is great. I would love to have a world ruled by women.

You have been in a couple of relationships. Have they taught you something?

Each relationship is different from the other; each relationship teaches you different things. One should learn and avoid repeating the mistakes.

Are you friends with your exes?

Yes, I’ve been friends with all my exes … Except for one, because I broke her heart very badly; but I would love to make it up and become friends again.

Have you ever asked your girlfriend about her past?

Never. Whatever you did in the past is your thing; the virginity issue is outdated. If I’m not a virgin, why should I expect anybody else to be a virgin? I wouldn’t want my girlfriend to be a virgin. I would have to teach her everything. I want somebody who has already learnt a lot.

But some guys view a virgin as a catch?

I considered that an achievement in college. It’s not as enjoyable as somebody who really knows her way around; the latter kind of women are my favourites.

If a girl is not good-looking do you tend to be less interested in her?

Yeah, because one’s visual sense is very strong. But like they say, ‘Don’t judge the book by its cover’. The entire package has to be good. I’ve had great relationships, emotionally and physically, with women who’re not typically good-looking. So that’s not the criterion.

Who is the sexiest woman in Bollywood?

Lara Dutta. She is a blend of rustic charm and poise. She is very down-to-earth. She is not too hoity-toity and yet she is very polished, and a pretty decent actress.

Have you been in love with two women at the same time?

Oh yeah! I’m usually in love with several (laughs).

Is it love or lust?

I’m only interested in the time I’m spending with that person. The time they do not spend with me is none of my business. It’s their life. But I’m a staunch loyalist, I don’t cheat.

But that’s a contradiction…

There is a contradiction. See, I’m physically into a lot of relationships many times. But if I’m committed to a woman, it doesn’t even cross my mind because I’ve been there and done that! If I’m committed, I’ll honour it. And if my mind is wandering, I’ll share it with my partner and we would make fun of it. There are lots of things you can fantasise together.

Do you think men are commitment phobic?

So are women. There is no real difference between men and women; they are both equal these days.

What’s your take on one-night stands?

They are fun.

And marriage…

Marriage is not just love. If you are marrying just for love, then you may be missing some points. Marriage is a commitment, in which you stand together yet not too near each other. There should be space. If you are together at a party, you’ve to enjoy on your own and yet share with each other. You don’t belong to each other. You belong to life. But I really don’t know because I’m still a bachelor.

Who taught you about the bird and bees?

A girl in class XI taught me about the birds and bees and trust me, she taught me well. I’m very grateful to her.