Zayed Khan comes across as an unassuming, media friendly guy. His cheerful demeanor and sociability is surely a turn on. He's bombarded with questions in a row but none of it frazzles the charming Zayed Khan. In a freewheeling chat with the media (on the sets of his forthcoming film SPEED) he talks about everything right from his first film, his career post MAIN HOON NA and life after marriage!

The 'Real' Zayed Khan
I am a very strong willed, confident person. I've never worried or been fearful about my career. Fear to an extent is important as it motivates you to perform better. I am not superstitious and nothing in the world can stop me from achieving what I want.

Writing
I studied direction and acting at the London film school. I wrote scripts and screenplays for 3 pounds and have over 250 scripts to my credit. I love scripting and I'd definitely like to nurture it. I want to pursue writing since I know I have it in me. I started writing when I was struck with slip disc last year. Infact I have also contributed to the scripting of ROCKY though I don't want any credit for it.

Dream movies
I think my forte is romantic action movies. I want to do larger than life, entertaining films that I myself would go and watch. I don't want to do films that preach too much. I hate being slotted in a particular image. I want to do action, comedies and romantic films. I have acted as a child artiste in TIPU SULTAN. If given a chance, I'd love to do the remake of DEEWAR, playing Mr. Bachchan ofcourse. And if someone asked me to remake any of my dad's films, it'd be ABDULLAH undoubtedly. Sadly I wont have Raj Kapoor saab with me. He was one of the finest actors we've ever had.

Life post MAIN HOON NA...
God has been really kind. Farah Khan's MAIN HOON NA was definitely a turning point in my career. I am glad it happened. Fortunately I got a chance to work with a powerhouse of talent like Shahrukh Khan. Everyone grows with experience. The film has definitely propelled my growth.

The entire credit goes to Farah and Shahrukh for the success of MAIN HOON NA. Farah is very clear in her mind about what she wants. Female directors are even more hardworking. One can't take liberties. You have to be prepared with everything. 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 super star and his passion for acting only motivates others.

Also I'd like to add that SHABD was a beautiful movie but the idea didn't come across. There's a difference between ideas and execution.

Forthcoming films

ROCKY- The Rebel
ROCKY is really close to my heart. It's a romantic action movie and is not related to the Sanjay Dutt's ROCKY in any way and neither is it about boxing. It's about the difference of ideologies between two generations, one being passive and other rebellious. Its also about revenge and has a subtle patriotic feel to it. I play a bullheaded guy who calls a spade a spade. This lands him in trouble and he has to pay a huge price for it.

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

Music
Ours is a fusion-oriented industry. Pritam cuts across very well in that sense. He is desi at heart and ideological in mind. I also love Himesh Reshammiya. He is a through professional and a great friend. He is extremely hard working. We both consider each other's suggestions. He even tells me the kind of roles I should be doing.

Life after marriage 
(Jokes) I've become a passive man after marriage. 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. And my dad's smile tells me that I need to improvise.