Remo D'souza and Tiger Shroff have more things in common than what meets the eye. The die-hard Michael Jackson fans, who consider their respective dads as their superheroes, are also crazy about action and superhero flicks. So, coming together to create a swashbuckling turbanator, A Flying Jatt, seemed to be the most natural move.The choices they made to be where they are today run on parallel tracks.Read on to know more of it in their own words...

Tiger, you're the youngest actor in Bollywood to play a superhero. Are you nervous about the comparisons that will be made with Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan, who've played superheroes before?
I am not nervous at all. In fact, I am excited and feel blessed that Remo sir thought I was worthy of this role. I wanted to be a superhero ever since I was a kid and this film is a dream come true. I went crazy after hearing the script. This superhero is different from what we have seen until now. It is already a huge compliment to be told that people might compare me to biggies like SRK and Hrithik.

Remo, why did you choose Tiger for the part?
I know him from the time before he entered Bollywood. We used to go to the same gym. We wanted to do something together. I conceptualised the film around eight years ago with Tiger in mind. While I was caught up with my other projects, he became busy with Heropanti. We, finally, got a chance to go back to our plan and execute it.

Did you watch a lot of superhero movies while growing up?
When I was a child, I would go to my neighbour's place every Saturday at 4 pm, without fail to watch Spider-Man as I didn't have a television set at home. That was my first exposure to a superhero. Spider-Man remains a favourite and you'll see glimpses of him in this film. Since personal experiences invariably get translated on screen, there will always be a glimpse of it in my films.

Tiger, who is your favourite superhero?
I like Spider-Man. He is the most vulnerable and humane of all superheroes.

What is that one super power you wish you had?
I wish I had the power to fly.

Who are your real-life superheroes?
Remo: My father, for sure. He was the sole breadwinner, taking care of seven members in the family. It was a huge task for him to feed seven people and give us the best education at that time. He brought us up in such a manner that we never realised there was a dearth of money. Despite achieving so much, I can't even compare myself to my father.
Tiger: My mother protected and sheltered me. She is like my Wonder Woman. My father was my first superhero because of his humble background. He lived in a chawl at Teen Batti. And even after his first film, Hero, did well, he continued to stay there for a few years. He would wait in line outside the public toilet. He tells us that sometimes while standing in the queue, he would tell people that he should be allowed to jump the line as he was getting delayed for the shoot (laughs). He has earned immense goodwill in the industry, which is inspiring. While growing up, I felt so sheltered and taken care of with my dad around. Every time, he used to go out on family lunches, people would surround him. I would manoeuvre my way through people's legs to reach him, saying that he is 'my dad'. I am very proud of my father.

Remo, why did you choose your superhero to be a Jatt? Aren't they known to be short-tempered?
Yes, they are, but they are also known for their humour and bravery. Those were the qualities that I wanted to incorporate in my protagonist.

Tiger, Indians take their super heroes very seriously. Do you think you will have to be more cautious about the films you choose and the way you conduct yourself in public after this?
Not just as a superhero. We have a certain responsibility as public figures, too. I have a following among kids and they look up to me. Remo sir also makes clean family entertainers, especially for children. And I love to get involved in concepts with such storylines and messages.

You have done action-romance so far. Any plans of breaking away from the genre?
I believe action and romance are my strengths. However, I would love to break out especially after this film. Remo sir has given me a chance to show a different side of me, which I was not aware of. I am happy and proud of this film. I would like to revisit this unforgettable character every time.

Remo, do you feel choreographers make for good directors?
The perception changed after Farah Khan directed Main Hoon Na, followed by Prabhu Dheva and me. Earlier, people thought that choreographers couldn't direct as many had attempted to start off as directors, but they were written off.

Do you consciously cast actors who are also good dancers?
It's just a coincidence. Apart from ABCD (Any Body Can Dance), I didn't consciously choose an actor who could also dance well.

Is dance an important element in this film as well?
It is imperative. If you go to see, with Spider-Man performing all those jumps and stunts, he is actually a gymnast and a dancer. You need to be flexible and understand the rhythm to get the posture and jump right. Every action has a certain rhythm. Tiger is perfect because he is flexible, a great dancer and does amazing action.

Tiger, does it feel bad that your dancing prowess sometimes distracts viewers from your other talents?
I am happy that there is something they can identify me with and that too, amid so many talented actors. It's difficult to get noticed with so much competition around. I am glad that there's something that makes me different from others.

Remo, after casting all newcomers in ABCD, the next instalment saw Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor. Now you've signed Tiger and Jacqueline Fernandez for this film. Does that mean you will only cast stars now?
When I signed Varun, he was shooting for Student Of The Year and in that sense, he was a newcomer. I discussed A Flying Jatt with Tiger even before he did Heropanti. He was a newcomer then. It's my luck that whoever I have approached first have become stars even before my own film took off.

Tiger, do you follow social media to see all that's being written about you?
I do. Initially, it affected me a lot. I remember when the trailer of my first film released, people found me gora-chikna and made fun of my strange hairstyle, dance and even, my unusual name. I don't look like an ordinary Indian boy. I entered the industry with the notion that I would enjoy the same glory and appreciation like my father. But that wasn't the case. I can't tell you how much I cried. However, I was happy when the film worked. I realised that even huge stars have their fans who slam each other. Who am I to complain? The fact they are talking about me and noticing me is enough. A lot of stuff still comes up on social media, but I prefer to focus on my work and learn from all the criticisms levelled at me. I understand the difference between hatred and genuine criticism.

Even your sister was trolled on social media (for uploading some bold pictures). Did that bother you?
Fortunately, people have only good things to say about my father because of his goodwill. My mother has kept away from this. My sister has a life of her own and we give her that freedom. So, there is not much really I can say.

You are known to be patient and grounded. How do you manage to stay calm and cool as a cucumber?
I have just started out and don't think I can pat myself on my shoulder yet. There are so many achievers around me, who remain so grounded. Who am I? I am just a newcomer. I am still trying to learn and get better everyday. I am lucky that my films have worked, but there is still so much out there to be learned. I have very big dreams. I have two role models - Michael Jackson and Jackie Chan. I don't think anybody in the entertainment industry has reached the fandom, power or hysteria that MJ achieved. Every child from any nationality knows about him and Jackie Chan. If a child can dance, he is instantly called the next Michael Jackson. I feel like an ant and know that I have so much work to put in to reach that level. I can't stop before I attain it. That's why I try to be level-headed.