Vir Sanghvi

I have known Amit for a number of years and have interviewed him over 15 times.

But the last time I interviewed him, he was at a low. Critics were talking about the fading of an icon, the fall of a superstar... And that bemused him, especially since he never wanted to become one or claimed to be one.

Anyway, most of his interviews have happened when he was at a low and he withdraws into a shell. It makes drawing him out that much more difficult.

ONCE the camera rolls and he is on TV, Amit gives nothing away. He is very guarded.

He, like many others, would also teeter between spells of the high and low. But on the whole, he is very stable emotionally.

Amit answers mostly in syllables. But thankfully, it has been different with me. Maybe because we have been friends for so long. Not that it is easy to get a good interview from him just because you know him.

For he answers difficult questions only if he respects you. He has said this often enough, cribbed about journalists coming up with similar questions, never doing their homework.

There are certain subjects he is uncomfortable with. Like his flops, his recent failures at the box office.

Our interview went so well that we shot six episodes, when it only supposed to be three segments.

I don't mean to sound arrogant, but I don't think there has been any other interview that has managed to draw him out like this one!

AS an interviewee, Amit makes a fascinating subject.

That is because, unlike others, he does not sound practiced or like someone who has their sound bytes ready. Most people come across as likeable folks. They are very watchful of how they come across.

Besides, with most other people, you are doing them a favour by interviewing them. It is good for their publicity.

Amit does not need a publicist. It is always he who is doing you a favour by agreeing to do an interview.

THE difference between Amitabh once the cameras roll and Amit once the cameras are switched off is hundred per cent -- for one, the latter Amit is exceedingly shy.

If I had to ask him one question, it would definitely be: "How did you have the guts to sign on for Kaun Banega Crorepati and move to the small screen?"