Dreams unlimited

I play Tariq Naqvi,an amiable geek and a school-topper sans the soda glasses and nerdy look in Roshan Abbass Always Kabhi Kabhi,which is produced by Shah Rukh Khans Red Chillies Productions. I play the romantic lead opposite Zoa Morani.

Casting coup

A couple of years ago,my director Roshan Abbass wife,Shaheen,had noticed me when I was helping out a theatre group,backstage. She told her husband about me and when Roshan started the casting,she suggested that I be called for the auditions,as she felt that I best suited the part of Tariq Naqvi. So I was called for the auditions and I cleared them.

Stepping stone

I started assisting theatre groups at the age of 17. Thats the age when no one takes you seriously and I was always given backstage tasks. But I used my time to observe how the lead actors delivered their lines onstage. At times if an actor did not turn up,I used to read their lines at rehearsals. I had a role in Jhansi Ki Rani that aired on Zee TV. I was new to Mumbai at that time and needed a job to support me. I have also starred in commercials. But when film directors brushed me aside because of my stint with the small-screen,I gave it all up.

First shot

The first time I faced the camera it was for a important scene between Zoa Morani and me. But as Roshan Abbas had conducted workshops before the film went on the floors,I was at ease shooting the scene. The workshops also helped teach me the basics of acting… performing for the big-screen is different from a theatre performance. I had to learn to hold back my emotions during the shoots as there were retakes,and every take had to be better than the previous one.

Lessons learnt

One needs to be very patient to survive in this industry. Everybody goes through ups and downs but if you are passionate about your craft,success will come your way. Its been a year since I have been living in Mumbai…I am yet to get used to the city. There is a feeling of hostility here unlike the small town I come from,and I just dont understand the people.

Stumbling-block

I come from a small town called Bilaspur in Chattisgarh and do not have a godfather in the industry. I had to make it on my own. I gave 127 auditions before I landed my first TV commercial. I wanted to be seen at every audition so that people know that Im around. At most auditions I was offered the role of the lead actors brother or his friend. But,finally when I got through,I landed four big commercials that were aired within the same month.

Matinee Idol

I watched Naseeruddin Shah perform onstage and Ill want to act like him someday. Every performance of his,gives me goose-bumps; his act is so surreal. Hrithik Roshan is my all-time favourite. Shah Rukh Khans got charisma,charm and unmatched dedication. Hes also the producer of Always Kabhi Kabhi and when I met him for the first time I was speechless.

Future projects

As I said,I have no godfather in the industry. So I will have to wait for Always Kabhi Kabhi to release. Once the film releases,I hope that Ill be approached by directors for other projects too. I have already started meeting filmmakers.