What attracted you in the script of 'Special 26' to do the film?

The best part of the film is it's a real story. So that is what actually attracted me to do this movie. Because a story based on a real incident is fun to enact. You have to follow whatever happened, you get to know a lot and so I just enjoy such films.

Tell us about the homework and the preparations you did before actually stepping into it, because this incident happened long back.

See, it's a directors film, directors dialogue, directors screenplay, so he did the most homework; I just worked and did what he asked me to do. So whatever he said, I followed. This is his first movie after 'A Wednesday' and all of us know what an interesting film 'A Wednesday' is, the only film that Hollywood has acquired from us. In clear words if I say, I just did what my director said.

So Akshay, the reason you chose this movie is due to Neeraj's 'A Wednesday' and the success it got or is it the script and the interesting story?

Neither. It's his screenplay mainly. Then the script and the real life story that moved me. And obviously Neeraj, I know after 'A Wednesday' how he is as a director.

Why did you take so long to say yes to this script?

Because the first time when I read the script, I found it ok-ok; but when Neeraj read it to me, I was myself surprised how is it possible that I didn't like it when I read but when he read it out, I found it really interesting and understood the whole thing. So that's the reason, I heard the script more than thrice then I said yes. Because you know it happens, when you read a story, you don't find it so interesting as compared to when someone tells you a story; you enjoy and like it much more.

Akshay, other than you, Manoj Bajpi and Anupam Kher are also in the film and they are used to doing darker films. So, how was the experience with them?

See, I have worked with Anupam Kher a lot of times before so this time while working, I found a different friend in him. Earlier, we used to meet on sets, do our jobs and disappear, now we talk, laugh and constantly keep in touch. So yes it has been pretty good. And it's similar with Manoj Bajpi.

How about your co-star Kajal Agarwal?

Umm, she is good. She is flamboyant, an experienced actor from the South. And she fitted the character very well. Even before he casted Kajal, he told me what kind of character he wanted. Very sober, very decent and she fitted the bill very well. Our bonding was very good.

Akshay, your previous films have done pretty well. Whom do you think is your direct competition?

I don't believe in competition. I don't believe in the 100 crore club. I don't believe in number one or number two, because we are not horses to be numbered.

Neeraj, was it a tougher project than your previous one that is 'A Wednesday'?

Yes, most definitely. But that's okay. I wouldn't like to glorify that fact, because it is our job. We have to undergo researches and homework.

Akshay, tell us about your upcoming projects?

'Special 26' will be releasing, after which I have 'Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai 2' and 'Boss'. I also have another film which is not titled as yet.

Is it true that you're working with Katrina Kaif again?

No, that is not true. There is nothing in the pipeline as yet.

Has uncertainty ever scared you?

In my life, uncertainty has never scared me.

Akshay, tell us about Neeraj as a director.

He is a man who knows what he wants. He knows how to go about it and this only a scriptwriter or a screenplay artist can do well. So he never had to re-shoot because he could visualize well what he wants.

Neeraj, how did you think of the title, 'Special 26'?

There is a dialogue in the movie after which we titled the film. So you have to watch the film to know what's special in the title.

Akshay, how open you were to spontaneity while shooting?

No, I wasn't. Neeraj was prepared with what he wants and I followed him. I quite like the fact that I get to work with different directors. Like in 'Rowdy Rathore' I was allowed to be spontaneous. So I am not shocked either way. It depends from director to director.

Apart from Katrina, you have also worked with Sonakshi Sinha in quite a few films, so would you recommend her to the directors?

No dear, that is a media created thing. I don't recommend anyone and I am no one to recommend. I could have done that here too but I believe it is a director's job so let him do it.

Which is your next action flick after 'Rowdy Rathore'?

It's 'Boss'. You will see many action sequences in my next flick that is 'Boss'.