Big gains

I am anxious about the outcome. After my first film London Dreams,the responsibility has doubled.

How did you bag these projects?

I was content being a VJ on Channel V,until I was called for an audition. This was for London Dreams. Director Vipul Shah told me that all I needed to do was be a part of the band,strum the guitar and we will be shooting in London. So I said,‘Bring it on.’ London Dreams helped me bag my next film with Vipul Sir,Action Replayy. While I was shooting,the casting director who had cast me for my previous two films,asked me to audition for Guzaarish.

Have you taken acting classes?

No. I just took a few diction classes to get my Hindi accent right. Vipul Sir asked me to attend dance classes because I have a bit of dancing to do in Action Replayy.

Most debutants want to start their career as main protagonists. How come you are content playing second fiddle?

When I was a VJ,I never thought of being an actor. When I did,I wasn’t even sure if the audience would accept me.

Now will you look for lead roles?

It all depends on the next 20 days. I might get a rush of confidence and decide to stick around. Though I think I will be here for a while,I am not sure if I want to do it all my life.

Vipul Shah and Sanjay Leela Bhansali have different cinematic sensibilites. How is their approach to the medium?

Vipul Sir is chilled out and is more worried about the actors’ comfort. For a newcomer,he is a calming factor. Sanjay sir is passionate about cinema and works harder than anyone else on set. He will notice every error in a sentence.

You work with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in both films. It must have felt special?

I first started working with her on Action Replayy. I was on the set with Rajpal Yadav waiting for my scene when I met her for the first time. She walked in and had her lines ready. The take was good. That helped break the ice and we became friends. I thought acting was all about expressions and good dialogue delivery. Ash introduced me to the technicalities of cinema.

You share screen space with Hrithik Roshan and Akshay Kumar in the films. Who was a bigger influence?

I learnt a lot from both. Akshay is a terrific improviser on set,while Hrithik is completely focussed on the character. Hrithik was genuinely concerned about my role and helped me improve with every take.