I had an edge in 'Andhadhun' because, being a musician, I knew how to play a guitar, so it was not difficult for me to learn a musical instrument.

All I am looking for is a fine combination of critical and commercial acclaim. Whether conventional or unconventional - does not matter.

There is no point in playing safe, because the audiences love different quirks: something that is crazy and out-of-the-box. I think that's what my space is, and if you are going to have your own space in the industry, this is where I want to be.

Aparshakti has his own journey, and as a sibling, I can only wish him good luck. I would also love to work with him as an actor.

It feels great that with the film choices I have been making have been quite radical and different. I am glad they are commercially working.

In 2012, when I left MTV, irregular income started.

I was always bad with money, and I think most artistes are like that. They don't use both sides of the brain.

I think cricket and cinema are two big entities in the country. If you are part of either, you are sorted.

I don't overspend. I believe in always living within my means.

'Vicky Donor' dealt with a taboo topic, but it was a family entertainer and not cringe-worthy, which helped make it a commercial success.

I want to be real and relatable, because if I am not, then I lose my credibility among audiences.

I am not in every picture I post, and my social media is not only for film promotions. I don't feel comfortable with that. Yes, I'll post something promotional now and then, but rest of the time, it is like any other social media account.

I don't consume alcohol or colas. But I don't judge people who do. People make their own decisions.

There is no point in taking yourself too seriously.

I think everyone is a hero in their own right.

I've always believed that getting respect as an artiste is of utmost importance.

I think being able to juggle time and mind space comes with the trajectory of being an actor.

To begin with, I always want to go for scripts that do not have a reference in Hindi cinema. If it is novel and unique, it definitely has a better shelf value.

I look for scripts that give me a gut feeling that this is going to work.

Writers have always been very underrated.

I wanted to work with Sriram Raghavan, the master of noir.

It happens in the West most of the time - the biggest of stars, they audition. That's how it should happen.

If you are changing yourself with every film, you will be exhausted as an actor.

Lots of people expect 'Andhadhun' to be a dark film, given it's from Sriram Raghavan. But this film is fun, entertaining, thrilling, and while it has moments of darkness, overall it's not a dark film.

The only privilege star kids enjoy is a good launch. That, of course, is important.

Success is a lousy teacher, but failure is a friend, philosopher, and guide.

I always wanted to act in movies.

If I were a star kid, I wouldn't have tried so many things. I would have done theatre and directly joined movies. I did radio and TV shows because I had to carve my own way. Outsiders like me have to reach Bollywood through modelling, theatre, or radio.

I am someone without an ego.

For an artiste to grow, for a person to grow, you have to learn. A learner cannot afford to have an ego. Learning can never stop. If it does, then it is death.

I believe in the fact that to portray a character convincingly, you need to live that character, own that character. You have to be earnest with every line that you deliver. However, it doesn't mean that you have to cut off your true self.

I think I am filled with excitement when it comes to doing films.

I have taken lot of risks in life, and I believe that life is about taking risks.

I have realised that at the end of the day, I have to detach from my films, just do my job, and move on.

I think every film is like a team game, especially for me. I have always got films which have a strong cast.

I think a film is made with each and every cast member. If the casting is strong, half our job is done. Then, even the mundane line is delivered in a great fashion.

As an actor, I have always believed that content is the kin,g and I have always put my neck on the line to choose cinema that is off the beaten track.

I still remember most people in the industry warning me that I was not playing the stardom game and that I was becoming niche because these content films don't do big numbers.

All you need to focus on is your craft and how you act; and, of course, script selection, which is a primary reason for anybody's success because, in today's day and age, everyone is talented irrespective of fields.

I am glad I am born in this era, but, at the same time, my success will totally depend on the choices I make.

The more you know about your country, your people, you invest better in your craft.

The primary goal is to entertain people because... Fortunately, the kind of movies I have been doing have a certain message, they break taboos, and they are socially relevant. So it's a great mix of content and entertainment.

I would love to write a script, for sure. I write poetry and songs. But writing a script needs a lot of time and discipline.

I don't watch a lot of movies. I watch theatre, read books, and observe life.

I want to evolve with my performances. Consistency is really important. Having said that, I generally don't try too hard.

I have a lot to show as an actor, and I will take my own sweet time for that.

I was a part of the reality show wave in 2002. Back then, no one had seen non-fiction on TV, and we had no reference point, so we all were just excited to see cameras around us.

Not many know that I had done a fiction show called 'Kayaamat' for exactly one month. I also did 'Ek Thi Rajkumari,' though I don't think anyone watched the show. That was the plan - I wanted to be on TV, but in such a way that no one watched me.

I realised that if you connect with the youth, you are home. Children love Varun Dhawan for the kind of films he is doing. If you can successfully connect with kids and the youth - you have cracked it.

I am a passionate actor, but I am also very practical.