Every relationship has side effects : Farhan Akthar

The multifaceted Farhan Akthar, who was in Calicut for the Farhan Live Performance, took time out to speak to Kochi Times about playing a variety of roles, his take on relationships; women in Kerala and more.
Excerpts:
You’ve donned many hats. Which role are you more comfortable with?
I hope people just accept all my roles, without choosing one over the other. But I try not to do everything at the same time.
How do you rate yourself as a singer?
I don’t rate myself as a singer, actor or director, and I think it is for other people to rate ‘Farhan’.For me, what matters the most is the quality of work that I put in. But no matter whether it is a film or concert or performance, I will always make sure that I am well prepared, so that they have more fun. To sum it up, I don’t want to judge my career and I have not set any parameters for myself.
You enjoy singing live or studio recording the most?
A live performance is very different from a studio recording. However, both are exciting, yet it is a completely different feeling. When I work with Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy, I almost feel like I am in a sanctuary — it’s all about music and silence. It is nice to be in the energetic ambience of a studio, but interaction with a live audience is something exhilarating, inexplicable and truly liberating.
How do you prepare for a character?
Well, every character requires a different kind of approach and homework. You can identify with certain characters. For instance, Imraan in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara or Siddharth in Shaadi Ke Side Effects are close to my real self. So for me to understand them or behave like them was not that tough. But my roles in films like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Karthick Calling Karthick were very different from who I am and I had to get into their minds to portray them realistically. Having said that, being an actor, I always try my best to provide what the character demands.
You are married and a father of two. Does your shaadhi have any side-effects in your life?
Well, when it comes to life, everything has side effects, not just shaadhi (marriage). Like a marriage, each and every relationship in one’s life is based on his or her attitude. If you have the best intentions in the world, you will succeed, but if you have no intentions to make things right, then no matter how much you pretend, you are not going to be happy.
Are you a fitness freak?
You could have called me a fitness freak when I was training for the character, Milkha Singh, for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Having said that, for me being fit is important in life and I also want to stay fit and healthy. But that doesn’t mean that I like having a sculpted muscular body. It’s all about how you feel — healthy, energetic and optimistic about life — and all these good factors come together only when you keep yourself fit.
About your Kerala connect?
I’ve been to Kerala only a few times before, but I could sense the love they have for me here. During my earlier trips, I went to Trivandrum, Varkala beach, Kochi and so on. I feel this is truly a blessed place with backwaters and scenic spots. But this is my first visit to Calicut. And interestingly, from the moment I got down at the airport, every single person I met told me that I should try the local food.
And, yes, before I leave I want to try it (laughs).
Have you heard about Malayalam films?
Well, I think Mammootty is considered the brand ambassador as far as Malayalam films are concerned. I know that in Kerala, the movie industry is very alive and a lot of younger talents are emerging. Many young filmmakers are also coming up with a number of films with unique subjects and themes.
Do you think Kerala girls are beautiful?
Of course, but not just in Kerala, all girls are beautiful in their own way. When we travel around India, something that I have noticed is the eyes of our girls; they are very striking. I don’t know what genetics made it happen. But they have very big, expressive and wide eyes, and that’s one of the most striking features.
Tell us about your social initiative MARD – Men Against Rape and Discrimination
I believe there exists so many issues like gender equality that need constant and continuous attention, and MARD acts as a platform to spread awareness and bring a sustained change in society. For me, the initiative is something that is very close to my heart, probably because of the fact that I have grown up in a family of predominantly women, including my mother, sister, aunts and cousins. Now, being with my wife and two daughters, I just want to make sure that they are safe, not just physically secure, but even emotionally. I don’t know how much a women can grow if she lives with the so called limitations and fears, and maybe that spark of thought compelled me to stand against those existing gender discrimination