It is a perception I can do lighter roles only: Sidharth

Actor Sidharth Malhotra says there was a perception in the industry that he can only do lighter glitzy roles and not aggressive ones.

The 29-year-old actor made his acting debut with Karan Johar's 'Student of the Year' and was seen next in 'Hasee Toh Phasee', both showed a lighter side of him.

Sidharth will be seen in a different character in his upcoming movie 'Ek Villain'.

"There is an image of what people perceive I can do a certain kind of a role only. To break that image is important. I kept hearing that I would not be able to shout, yell and do action. I am glad 'Ek Villain' came to me," Siddharth told PTI in an interview here.

He said with 'Ek Villain' he has got an opportunity to break his "boy-next-door" image.

"It is a way of answering criticism and speculations that whether I am here to perform or for (just) glamour. For this film I have worked on my look, body language. I think the general vibe after 'Hasee Toh Phasee' was that I have a 'sweet-boy' image. If I keep doing same thing every six months, I don't expect the audience to get entertained by it," he said.

Sidharth said he was little nervous before shooting as the role was something different.

"I had not done this kind of role before. The character has negative shade to it and there is a love story as well. I don't know if it (the film Ek Villain) will be successful or not. Promo has been is accepted, so I think there is some expectation from this film," he added.

In real life, Sidharth admits he too has a dark side to his personality like everyone else

"I am a Delhi boy and played sports. I used to play rugby in Delhi it is a physical game. I think it has helped me in a way as I used to get aggressive and used to shout or scream," he said.

The actor feels the city of Mumbai becomes a villain when one comes from outside.
"I think it is tough to get a house in Bombay, because people reject and judge you for wrong things even if you have the money for it. They have the issue because you are an actor.

But also it has given me a lot, it took a while to break in here I am still struggling," he added.

The film which also stars Riteish Deshmukh and Sidharth said that the actor was helpful on the sets.

"He was very supportive. He made working environment friendly. Riteish was the calming effect on the sets and I think working with him brings a sense of relaxation," he added.

'Ek Villain' which stars actress Shraddha Kapoor opposite Sidharth is slated to release on June 27.