Ayaaz will be seen in a new look. He has worked hard on his body to develop abs, the latest fashion accessory for the Bollywood male. We spoke to Ayaz about his new movie.

How you got the offer for Hide N Seek?

Producer Apoorva Lakhia and director Shawn Arranha were looking for a lead to play Imraan (Ayaz’s) role. They had seen my performance in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and really appreciated my work. They felt that I suited the bill and thought that I could deliver and portray the character as per their expectations. They casted me based solely on my performance in Jaane Tu...

Working with the entire cast was simply great! Imagine putting together a bunch of young, talented and dynamic individuals together in one place; you can only expect a house on fire. Yes, they are great team players, and I have known Arjan and Purab for over 10 years now. Director Shawn is also a good friend. And I got along very well with Amruta, Mrinalini and Sameer. We all had a blast shooting, and there was a lot of comfort on the sets.

This movie had its own personal perks for me. I was required to sport a 6-pack for my character in the movie. This motivated me to get in shape. I went through an aggressive fitness regime to maintain my body and also followed a diet. Hopefully, people will appreciate the fitness level. Also, this is the first time I had to do a full-power action sequence which happens between me and Arjan. I was trained for the same, and this has definitely helped me learn more of the tricks and trade of the industry. Overall, the entire experience has been fantastic!

Can you tell us a bit about the film? And how the film title is related to Hide N Seek?

The movie revolves around 6 friends – Om, Abhi, Jaideep, Imran (Ayaz), Gunita and Jyotika. And it all started as a game on a chilly Christmas Night.But little did they expect that night and that a game of Hide & Seek would change their lives forever.Twelve years later, while some still wrestled with memories of that fateful night and others left it buried deep within them, it was a past that came back to haunt them again.Twelve years later, someone was bringing them all together... to play that game all over again! But this time, it will cost them their lives! Haunted by the past… Trapped in a shopping mall… Six best friends turn into worst enemies as they play… HIDE N SEEK!

Have you ever played Hide N Seek while you were a kid? What other childhood memories do you have?

Of course, I did. Every person in their childhood has played the game, I'm sure. All of us building friends would meet and play but, unfortunately, I was a chubby kid back then (just like in the movie). I was almost 90 kilos when I was 7 years old, and it would take me too much energy to run and hide. So, I was always the first one to get caught! (laughs).

Childhood memories.... Hmm, there have been so many. But one I can remember is the way I learned swimming. I was in the learning process when I used to swim with the float. All was fine until I lost my float in the centre of the pool. Nobody came to my rescue. I was literally drowning, and so, my swimming experience was when I swam to save my life! That is when my mother told me – this is life for you in future; in order to succeed, you need no one, just 100% dedication to get where you want to go…

After Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na did you get any film offer?

Well, I did sign a film with Shivam Nayak, where I play the lead opposite Esha Deol, but it was put on hold for some issues. We resume shooting for that in April.

Can you tell us about your future projects?

I am looking forward to the release of my movie opposite the very famous Bengali actress Koel Mallick. It is a Vikram Bhatt film, and I’m looking forward to doing some good work!