Zayed Khan dabbles in scripting too

Mumbai, Aug 19 (IANS) Actor Zayed Khan eagerly awaits the release of his new film "Rocky - The Rebel" and says he has contributed to its script as well.

A fact not known to many of his fans is that he has a skilled writer in him too. "I studied direction and acting at the London Film School. I wrote scripts and screenplays for three pounds and have over 250 scripts to my credit. I love scripting and I'd definitely like to nurture it," he told Bollywood Trade in an interview.

He adds: "I started writing when I was struck with a slip disc last year. I have also contributed to the scripting of "Rocky" though I don't want any credit for it."

While his cheerful demeanour and sociability are surely a turn on, the actor known for his brash roles on-screen says the "real Zayed Khan" is a strong-willed person and "nothing can stop me from achieving what I want".

Zayed says romantic action films are his forte and he wants to do larger than life films that he himself would go and watch. "I don't want to do films that preach too much. I hate being slotted in a particular image."

The actor then reveals that he played a small role as a child artist in his father's television Magnum opus "Tipu Sultan".

Asked about his dream movies and roles, he says he would love to do a remake of "Deewar" and quickly adds - "playing Mr. Bachchan ofcourse!

And if someone asked me to remake any of my dad's films, it'd be "Abdullah" undoubtedly but sadly I wont have Raj Kapoor saab with me."

Zayed admits that the Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Main Hoon Na", directed by choreographer Farah Khan, proved to be the "turning point" in his career.

"Fortunately I got a chance to work with a powerhouse of talent like Shah Rukh. The film has definitely propelled my growth. Farah is very clear in her mind about what she wants. She actually navigated me through the scenes. If you give her one idea, she'll come up with a better one.

"And Shahrukh is family. He is a superstar and his passion for acting only motivates others."

Excited about his upcoming film "Rocky...", Zayed says the film is very close to his heart and adds that it is in no way related to the Sanjay Dutt movie by the same name.

"It's about the difference of ideologies between two generations. Its also about revenge and has a subtle patriotic feel to it. I play a guy who does not hesitate to call a spade a spade. This lands him in trouble and he has to pay a huge price for it."

Zayed has come a long way since his debut in 2003 with "Chura Liya Hai Tumne" and after having acted with a few top names in the industry, he now has quite a few films in his kitty.

"My other films include "Cash", which is twice as exciting as "Dus". Then there is an untitled film with Anurag Basu, one with Feroz Nadiadwala to be directed by Ahmed Khan and another with Vashu Bhagnani. I am presently shooting for Vikram Bhatt's "Speed".

And when asked about life after marriage to childhood sweetheart Mallika, he says: "I've become a passive man after marriage (he!he!). One loses that sense of freedom post marriage. You cant really chill out with friends, leave the house without informing etc. On a serious note, my wife Mallika is a stringent critic and is an ardent fan of Shahrukh Khan. She did like me in "Main Hoon Na", "Shabd" and "Dus".

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Rocky - The Rebel