You play Moeen, a drug peddler and car thief, in your latest film, Gully Boy. How difficult was it to portray this character?
The mental preparation was the most difficult because the character is so complex. Moeen’s interaction with the kids, his sense of bravado.... I had to put all of this together for a cohesive experience. But perhaps the most difficult part was learning how to drive. I had to drive around Ranveer Singh, the biggest superstar, and ensure nothing happened to the country’s national treasure. [laughs] I have never owned a car because I have this dream of buying a fancy car; I did not want to settle for less.
How was it working with Zoya Akhtar, who directed the film?
She was extremely accessible to every member of the cast. She also never lost her cool. I call her the ‘Dhoni of filmmaking’. I once asked her how she always managed to stay so happy and calm. She told me it was because she really enjoyed shooting. It is a painful and solitary job but it is so much fun, she said.
You have done a cameo role in Manto and your short film Counterfeit Kunkoo was nominated at Sundance last year. Do you feel you have reached a place where you should act in more lead roles?
I have acted in a few, like Monsoon Shootout with Nawazuddin Siddiqui. I am not desperate for them. I will only work in a film which has a great story. If I had not accepted my role in Gully Boy, even though it was not the lead, I would have been a fool. As I have matured, I have become more patient. I feel there is a long innings ahead of me. I keep telling myself, “your time will come”.
Who is the one actor who inspires you?
That would be Amitabh Bachchan. He is on another level altogether. His command over language, courteous behaviour, filmography, never being late to sets... there is so much to imbibe from him.