Love ke side effects

I came to Mumbai from my hometown,Shimla in 2004,as I was bitten by the acting bug. I was ready to take up any offer that came my way. I have featured in 30 television commercials including Tata Tea,Limca,Nokia and Chevrolet Cruise. I have worked with theater groups in Mumbai and have performed in a couple of plays.

First shot

The first time I faced the camera it was for a solo shot. It’s been a while and I can barely remember the scene. But I was not nervous during the shooting as I had faced the camera many times before at several auditions.

Lessons learnt

I have learnt that as someone from a non-filmi background I will have to give in my 100 per cent and go through the grind every struggler goes through. I think it is important to be very patient and hardworking to climb up the ladder. I have shot for television commercials before but when I shot for Pyaar Ka Punchnama,I realised that it’s so different from the shooting involved for a 45-second commercial. There may be many retakes but you got to hold your emotions and get better as an actor with every shot. Yes,I have seen myself grow as an actor during the shooting of the film.

Stumbling block

When I first arrived in Mumbai I had absolutely no inkling of how the industry functions,the power-play et al. I had no work and I was a struggler trying his best to understand the industry better. I went for almost every audition — as people said that the more I am seen,the better are my chances. After a year I finally landed my first TV commercial with Tata Tea. Since then I have featured in 30 television commercials. I utilised my free time in-between chasing producers and attending auditions to read books on cinema. The books helped me understand the nuances of filmmaking and acting better. But at that time I was young and age was on my side. So,I enjoyed the struggle as well.

Matinee idol

I have my favourites. I like Shah Rukh Khan’s and Salman Khan’s body of work.

Future projects

I want to do a mix of roles and I am willing to work with anyone who wants to cast me. Pyaar Ka Punchnama is my first film and the road ahead depends on how well the audience receives the film.