Just do it My Way!

Childhood was absolutely fantastic. When I look back now to growing up in Bangalore, it was one of the best things.
For many reasons..the space we had, the great weather and my school where sports was encouraged as a vital part of growing up. I feel it disciplines you and teaches you a lot.

I grew up watching a lot of English movies. At the time, we didn’t have many channels, it was only Doordarshan. So I grew up watching a lot of videos of English movies.

Somewhere in the back of my mind was the thought, I love what they do on screen..maybe one day I'll become an actor, just a fleeting thought, you know.

And here am I today! It's so true, they say what you dream of, what you want, what is constantly on your mind comes true. In my case it certainly did.

Modelling happened to me when I was in college. I got my first pay cheque of Rs 1000 which was pretty decent as I used to get only Rs 30 or Rs 50 as pocket money!

So Rs 1000 for just standing in front of the camera..I was like I could do more of it!! That’s how I graduated and more shows happened..videos, TV commercials followed.

My first opportunity came as Pyaar Mein Khabhi Khabhi. I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to get into films but my director insisted, “No you suit the character and you have to do it.”

So I said, “What the hell” and gave in and gave it my best. I learnt the language and it worked. People threw questions at me that I was modelling, how could I act? I threw it back at them.

My first professional portfolio was horrible. It was done in Bangalore by one of the leading agencies there and I was still really young..
I was chubby, I mean baby fat on my cheeks and looked nothing like a model. When I look back at the pictures I go like, “Oh my God that was me!” I never shot a portfolio after that.

When I moved to Bombay, I shared a room with someone I knew from Bangalore. It was a tiny room unlike the house in Bangalore. But I never asked my parents for assistance. I could, but I never did.

After four years in Bombay, I moved out and rented a two-bedroom flat. I could afford the rent! And once you start expanding and making your premises really comfortable, it's a lot more work.

With Gladrags, I knew if I win this, there's much more to it. My competition was tough but I also knew I was stronger than most. I worked really hard.
It was this confidence and hard work that gave me an edge and I won it.

Hmm my good looks, well, my dad is Italian and my mom is half south Indian and half Mangalorian. I got my genes from them but I guess you have to ask others if I got their good looks.

I live to dress comfortable and I like to dress smart whenever I go out...that's my style statement. Being an actor people always watch you, so it's important for you to be well groomed.

I have a decent-sized cupboard with my share of shoes, tees, jeans, everything for every occasion. I keep buying new stuff and I keep clearing my wardrobe..charity, you know, I give my brother a lot of the stuff.

I enjoy all the attention I get..it feels good to know the many different ways people look at you: 'Gay icon', 'good kisser'..It's a feels good.
It helps your ego, it makes you feel wanted and it's nice to know that there are a few people who love you.

My fitness mantra is simple - give me a choice between a gym and a football game...I'd go for football any day. I've been into sports from a very young age, so playing a lot of sports is it.

When I was a kid, my father used to take us to the jungle every weekend. We would go camping, stay in lodges and I'd be so thrilled to spot tigers!

Now every time I get the opportunity, I go trekking or take off to the mountains. I love adventure sports, white water rafting, cycling..anything to do with nature.

I always had this crazy thing to make money! I saved up enough money when I was modelling and when I got into films.
My brother was in the restaurant business in Europe. I asked him to come back and maybe we start something together here.

So he returned and we started 'Crepe Station' and we now have a couple of them in Bombay and some in Calcutta.
I think it's important to diversify. People ask me, are you more of an actor or entrepreneur? My answer is, “I’d like to be both,” as my mind is always working, “What next?”

I unwind at home by playing with my dog, watching a movie, talking with my brothers, inviting friends over, just relaxing..sometimes get a good massage.

Acting is my life today, it is everything I want to do. It wakes me up in the morning and makes me look forward to playing a different role and come home happy and satisfied!

I have decided to stay grounded and do things my way. I come from a totally different background where principles were very strong and they still stay with me..I think that’s what keeps me really grounded.

I've done so many favours and people have walked all over me. But you grow up and learn the lesson - I have to enjoy my life.
When you are down nobody comes to help you. When you are up, everybody is like, “Hey, how are you?” So you learn.

I'm just a simple guy who doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone.