Don't look at a person - look into the person. Heart is the hero, not the colour. I don't stand against or for any colour; I just believe in endorsing the idea of not endorsing any colour.
For people like me, I think it is more about, 'When do people give you an opportunity?' rather than you deciding about when you want to make a debut. If I had a chance, I would have come as a child artist in this industry.
I started working in an STD phone booth where I had to note down all the numbers that were dialed - this was post 9/11 when security was a looming issue. I got Rs 10 per day for my work. Soon after, a benefactor offered me a job in a cybercafe down the road for Rs 20.
I am a big-structured guy, and so I always felt my weight was justified until I chanced upon Cavemen's diet.
There is nothing else to do in my life... I have no family, relationships - this is the only thing that I do.
I took my time to learn the craft and procedure. I wanted to do some substantial work first in cinema.
I was shooting for 'Maaya' when I got a call from John Abraham's office. They told me about the film and asked if I could audition. But since I was shooting, I recorded my audition and sent them the tapes. The next thing I know, I was on board.
I started watching English news channels and would repeat after the anchor. Since coaching classes were expensive, I joined a call centre where, after undergoing training for a month, I quit. I followed this strategy in 15 BPOs. I could earn money and learn English at the same time.
I so wish my dad was alive to see me do a Hindi film after acting in six Telugu movies. I sometimes imagine him giving me feedback on my work. But I derive strength from knowing he is watching over me.
When people who are close to me say that they see positive changes in me as I grow, it makes me work harder on myself. Life always surprises us with something new, and I want to be capable enough to handle it.
'Satra Ko Shaadi Hai' is a very sweet film. It was the first film that I shot. I play a shy small town boy in it, which is an absolute contrast to what I played in 'Sanam Teri Kasam.'
I've only been in one relationship in my entire life so far. When that ended, I decided being with someone is not for me. I like my own company the best.
When I was a child, I got an opportunity to see all the big players in a cricket match. I was a ball boy outside the boundary line. I picked the ball and waited a bit for Sachin Tendulkar to come near me to give it to him. The sense of being in the same space was special. While thousands were watching, I was close to Sachin.
My life has been pretty unconventional. The publishers saw a story in it, and yes, my life has been put in a book.
I had to go on the strict caveman diet where you eat only vegetables, chicken, and egg whites. This diet in many ways sounds right to me, and it has worked wonderfully.
Shah Rukh Khan is a self-made man, and he does inspire with what he does. It is foolish to think that one can try and imitate or modify what he does. I have been original in my performances so far.