On my pinboard-Rohit Roy

Rohit Roy started his career in television after which he went on to prove his talent in Bollywood with films like ‘Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena’, ‘Plan’ and ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’. From his debut in ‘Jaan Tera Naam’ to his last outing in ‘Kaabil’, starring Hrithik Roshan and Yami Gautam, the actor has come a long way. He is currently working on his new film ‘Jihaad’ directed by Agnidev Chatterjee. Rohit has written the script himself. After directing a short film ‘Rice Plate’, he will now helm a feature-length film for Sanjay Leela Bhansali as part of a three-film deal.

Inspiration: Amitabh Bachchan

“Apart from his acting skills and his contributions to the industry, he is a wonderful human being. It’s not the charm that he brings to the set but the fact that he is so warm and humble that inspires me. When he was on a sabbatical, I played table tennis with him every day and that brought me closer to him. He also treats his co-actors very kindly, is always on time and does not take things for granted.”

Book: "The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand 

“It used to be very easy to finish a 600-page book in a couple of days but with my tight schedule these days, it takes about three to four months. However, my all-time favourite book is ‘The Fountainhead’ where the novel’s protagonist Howard Roark decides to practice modern architecture while opposed by an establishment centred on tradition. It’s very inspirational and wonderfully written.”

Travel: New York 

“This city has a vibe like none other. Everything, from the broadway to the restaurants, has a powerful impact that I don’t find anywhere else. It’s a different experience every time I visit New York. I don’t enjoy the same things I used to in my 20s but the place has something for all ages. My interests may have changed but my addiction to New York hasn’t.”

Musician: Arjit Singh 

“There is something about Arijit and his voice that draws me close to him. He has sung different songs but they all have a wonderful touch to them. His voice is wonderful for a romantic ballad and you can sense that he has sung from his heart. It’s very close to the kind of music that I enjoy and I always look forward to his new songs.”

Actor: Hrithik Roshan 

“I’ve always admired Hrithik but I have a new found respect for him after working with him in ‘Kaabil’. He is a wonderful human being and very hardworking. He not only takes interest in his own work but also in helping his co-actors as well. He is a keen observer and makes everyone on the set feel comfortable. 

Food: 'Dalbath'

“I am a big foodie and I love trying new things when I am travelling. But my comfort food has to be my mother’s version of ‘dal bath’. Whenever I come home, she has  the food ready before I even land. I also have a big sweet tooth and the first thing I check on any menu is the dessert section. I can never resist an 85 percent dark chocolate though.”

(As told to Anila Kurian)