I've had numerous conversations with Fardeen Khan ever since he started out with Prem Aggan (1998).

And I've teased him about his accent, which hasn't changed in all these years. There's an old school charm about him which is appealing. He has seen several ups and downs in life but talking to him now, I realise he has taken everything on the chin like a man and not let that get to him. There's a quiet dignity to him, the grace of a man who has learnt from life and has managed to put the bitterness behind him. He moved to London for a while, and in due course got a grip on himself. He's back to his best-looking self and his acting sure has matured with years. He's raring to go as I question:

WHAT HAS CHANGED IN YOUR SECOND INNINGS, ACCORDING TO YOU?

What hasn’t changed? A lot changes in 12 years. You can start with me. I’ve changed.

WHAT ARE THE GOOD AND THE BAD CHANGES?

You could call me wiser or less foolish. Life, if you choose to learn from it, teaches you a lot. I have more life experience now and I understand myself on a much deeper level. I’m no longer the quintessential party boy; I’ve left that behind me. I’m a father now, with two beautiful children. And for all practical purposes, I’m still a newcomer in the industry. That’s the mindset with which I came back after 12 years. So yes, a lot has changed. But I’m fortunate that some of the relationships I built, particularly with friends in the industry. have remained strong. These friendships have lasted.

LIKE WHOM? GIVE ME AN EXAMPLE OF SOMEONE, THEN AND NOW.