News When did you first realize that you wanted to be an actor?
When I was about to graduate from the University of Massachusetts, U.S.A. I realized then that I wanted to be a part of the film industry and I had the urge to explore every facet of the industry acting, directing and producing films. I felt it would be a great help towards the field of direction (which was my main target then) if I learned the basics of acting because acting gives you a better outlook into the machinations of the industry if you are serious about cinema. So I joined a couple of acting courses, which helped me develop as an actor, and pretty soon direction took a backseat, as I progressively became passionate about acting itself. When I was convinced that I wanted to endeavor into the field of acting, I enrolled myself in Kishore Namit Kapoors school of acting and side by side worked hard on toning my physique. I also signed up for a course in dancing with Shakun Shaikh and a course in action sequences. It was only when I felt completely satisfied with my training that I told my father I was ready to start work on my launching pad a gift from him Prem Aggan.
To what extent do you feel you have improved as an actor from your first film Prem Aggan?
Today when I look back at my formative stages of acting, I realize that my skills as an actor are far more developed compared to what they were earlier. Definitely I have developed more confidence now. Im enjoying acting to the hilt and feel that I have evolved. Im now in a comfortable position and am able to prevent myself from getting hopelessly stereotyped as an actor who does the same type of roles repeatedly.
If you had the choice of a tailor-made role what character would you choose to play?
It would be too easy to enact a tailor-made role and wouldnt hold much of a challenge. I want something difficult and challenging not a tailor-made role. It has to be something distinct away from the ordinary run-of-the-mill characters. A role Id love to play would be Richard Geres character in Breathless a fun-loving character who doesnt give much thought to consequences and just goes ahead and does what he wants to
Considering that you are pretty suave and charming, did you really have to do homework to prepare for the role of the fashion photographer in Pyar Tune Kya Kiya or did you fit into the skin of the character with ease? I confess I do enjoy flirting. However it all depends on your intention. Flirting can be harmless too. I thought of a couple of photographers with whom I have interacted and kept their mannerisms in mind when I set out to do the role of Jai. My character is a well-etched, a specific character like in every Ram Gopal film. Rajat played a vital role in etching out my character. I worked on my body language, my energy level and my moods to deliver the best that I could.
Tell us about your forthcoming releases.
I am paired opposite Richa Palat, in producer D. Rama Naidus next film Kabhi Tum Kaho Kabhi Hum Kahe which K. Ravi Shankar is slated to direct. Then I am playing the middle brother Jai in Anupam Khers film Om Jai Jagdish. In the pipeline too is Mehul Kumars flick Kitne Door Kitne Paas. And lastly, I am awaiting the launch of my dads new film in which I am starring with Aishwarya Rai. Yet another film which Im looking forward to is Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega produced by Ramgopal Varma and directed by E. Niwas. 
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