Neck-to-neck fight between Farhan and Imran

Both newcomers impressed audiences with their near flawless acts in "Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na" and "Rock On" respectively, making them top contenders for the numerous awards in tinsel town. But actor-director Farhan Akhtar (pictured left) makes it clear that there is no competition between him and 'chocolate boy' Imran Khan.

"There isn't anything to be looked as competition between Imran and me, as far as awards are concerned," said Farhan, who has already kickstarted 2009 with another good performance in "Luck By Chance".

While Farhan took an unconventional route with a rock band musical drama in "Rock On", Imran too didn't play a quintessential lover boy and followed the friendship-leading-to-love path in "Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na".

"And to be honest and absolutely fair, one has to acknowledge the performance of Imran which is indeed quite good," said Farhan, who has made films like "Dil Chahta Hain" and "Lakshya".

Well, the same can be said for Farhan in "Rock On" too, isn't it?

"Yes, people do tell me that I was good in 'Rock On'. However, when it comes to awards, it also depends a lot on the jury watching the film. It's their opinion that would matter about whether I or Imran fit the bill. I'm sure both of us would be quite happy to get an award, but let's see because anything can happen in such events," the actor added in a diplomatic tone.

He asserts that at the end of the day, it is the audience and their appreciation that matter most.

"The fact remains that people have appreciated both Imran and me. It's their acknowledgment and recognition that should keep an actor in me going. Yes, if awards come by, then it's an added bonus; so why would I mind that," Farhan quipped.

But it's sure going to be a neck-to-neck fight between Farhan and Imran at the award functions. Even though Imran's subsequent release "Kidnap" didn't quite bring him great reviews, his 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa' was a much bigger success.

On the other hand Farhan was hailed as an actor in "Rock On" and even though "Luck By Chance" released this year, the jury would have in their mind the actor's second straight mature performance.