He started off behind the scenes as an assistant director for six projects of Vishesh Films, Mahesh Bhatt’s banner, all the while under the tutelage of the senior Mr Bhatt. After working on Gunaah, Saaya, Murder, Tumsa nahin dekha, Zeher and Kalyug, he stepped into the shoes of an actor and made his debut in Showbiz on Bhatt’s insistence.

Excerpts from an interview with the budding actor:

Your journey from being a film technician to becoming an actor.

My journey started as an assistant director with Mahesh Bhatt. I did six films in his banner. My move into acting was also completely his idea. He was the one to pushed me into it. Before I could I blink, I was sent to Anupam Kher’s acting school. That is how the journey started.

Acting was a completely different track from assisting behind the scenes. I was out there in the industry where nobody could think of the change, but it happened to me. Once I joined acting school, I got rid of my fears and opened myself to the idea of being in front of the camera. It’s been a beautiful journey so far.

How did you prepare yourself for your role as an actor?

In my first film Showbiz,  I play the character of a performer. So I took dance lessons to look natural. Since my character is a drummer, I also learnt to play the instrument to understand the rhythm. I didn’t want to look out of sync with music on screen. Even after the songs were over, I would insist on extra drum beats to play along. I took my job very seriously.

As Mahesh Bhatt told me, “Don’t spread out too much. Just feel connected to what you are doing”. Initially I didn’t understand, but now I know what he meant. I try to feel the emotions of the characters I play.

Your reaction to Showbiz having bombed at the box office:

I am naturally unhappy. The film had too many problems to deal with and it wasn’t promoted very well, so many people were unaware that it had released.

Initially I was heart broken. I had put two years of my life into it. There was lot of hard work and I had put lot of myself into it, but I am happy that people have recognised my work in the film. I am a positive guy, so I am already looking ahead.

Future projects.

There are a few projects are in the pipeline.

Toughest lesson learnt in the film world.

Filmdom is very glamourous on the surface, but in reality it is lot of sweat, grit and hard work. And one needs a big dose of luck. It is not as colourful as people think it is.

Are you here to stay as an actor or will you return to behind-the-  camera activity?

Well, right now,acting is priority. Later may be, I may take to direction and let others do the acting on my bidding. 

Any offers from the television industry?

No, and I am not even looking for them. I am more of a film actor.

What are your other interests apart from acting?

I play cricket. I am fitness freak and workout four to five times a week. I love watching movies.
Your role models.

I have never really thought about it. I look up to Mahesh Bhatt as a guide and mentor and his persona is impressive. Amongst actors, I am a huge fan of Aamir Khan.

Do you have any ‘filmi’ connections apart from the Bhatt one? How has that affected your career?

None. The Bhatts are my only filmi connection. As for it affecting my career, it’s your own presentation that works in the long run. It has been sheer bad luck that the opportunity that had come my way got washed away due to differences of two senior persons.