Arjun Rampal is excited about sharing screen space with the talented Kajol and Kareena Kapoor in We are Family. But when it comes to his personal life, he says there's only one woman, his wife Mehr (apart from his two daughters that is). The handsome actor talks about playing an endearing Aman in the film, the camaraderie on the sets and life beyond the arc lights.

How challenging was it to work in a women-centric film?

The challenge was to garner sympathy for Aman, the character I play. Hope I have passed the test. My character is conceived very differently. In Stepmom, from which We are family has been adapted, Ed Harris was portrayed older and his character had limitations.

Did you feel sidelined with two pretty women on the sets?

I was caught between two extremes. Kajol would come to the sets, move you tears with her performance and then go back to her book. Kareena and I are foodies, so after every shot we would discuss where to have dinner.

How was it working with Kajol and Kareena?

Doing emotional scenes with Kajol is extremely fulfilling and I have quite a few of them in the movie! Kareena is in great form. This was not an easy film for both. In Stepmom, Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon came up with strong performances. It is amazing to see how Kajol and Kareena have lent their own flavour to the characters. This makes the performances so much more endearing.

In Kareena, I found a friend. While shooting for a song, Siddharth (director Siddharth P Malhotra) put the two of us in a convertible and took shots from a helicopter. So, it was just the two of us sitting together for 12-13 hours. If I had spent that much time with someone I am sure I would have killed him or her but Kareena was extremely entertaining.

Was new director Siddharth easy to work with?

The film could have turned into a soap opera but Siddharth did not let that happen. He handled it with realism. Producer Karan Johar never came on sets because he thinks his directors will get intimidated. That is so true.

How was it to play a father?

It was very easy as I am a father in real life. I love children. Karan felt my rapport with the kids was amazing.

Similarly, Kajol being a hands-on mother to her daughter Nyasa has played her part beautifully. Kareena too was brilliant with kids. All the three kids in the film were great. They knew their lines and endeared with their effortlessness.

At home, how easy is it to handle your kids?

At home I'm the good cop and Mehr is the bad one. Whatever my kids ask from me, they get it.

You are always surrounded by glamorous women…

I have a very glamorous woman as my wife. I come from a broken home so I work harder on my marriage. I have a very nice family and I don't want to rock the boat.

What is an ideal family for you?

It is about the ability to give unconditional love and stand by each other in good and bad times. It is about looking after each other, being sensitive and telling the truth. If my wife lies to me about liking my film I would feel bad. Also, one should be able to accept the truth.

Do you think when marriages turn sour, kids suffer the most?

They do and it is shown in this film. The film also dispels the stereotypical notion of a stepmother being wicked and ill-treating children. It shows how love prevails and how new relationships can be formed.

Tell us about your next film RA. One.

I am happy that I am part of the most ambitious film ever made in the industry. RA. One taught me to physically push myself.

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