Imran Khan has explained the tattoo he displays on screen in this week’s release Kidnap: "It’s one of those things I had done when I was seventeen; it’s permanent,” he said.

Khan plays the kidnapper of a rich businessman's daughter in the thriller. Why did he cover up his tattoo in his debut film? “I had to hide it as it wasn’t in keeping with my character,” he said. “Kidnap is definitely different since it demanded a certain physical transformation. I had to bulk up in order to look like a tough guy. I have a mohawk look!”

Veteran actor Sanjay Dutt plays the kidnap victims’ dad. A father himself, Dutt says that it is a role he identifies with. “This is a father who deeply and immensely cares for his daughter and will go to any extent for her safety and happiness.” How did the 40-plus actor cope with the action scenes? “I enjoyed the action. It had my adrenaline rushing. I felt like a teenager again.”

Minnisha Lamba, last seen in Bachna Ae Haseeno, plays Sonia, the skimpily-clad abductee. She confirms: “The director clearly informed me at the beginning that I would have to wear a bikini.” But how would she feel if she was kidnapped in real life? “I would be scared but try to battle and escape!”

Editor's choice

• The 50 Biggest Movies of 2009
• The other side of Angelina Jolie
• Quantum of Solace