We have freedom to experiment as an artiste - unlike lead heroes.

I have fun doing lighter roles, as I don't have to do anything against my emotions.

A good content always allows me to reach the depth of the characters, and thus, the performance looks more relatable and truthful.

It feels amazing to know that the whole country thought my role in 'Newton' was one of my best, and to win the Special Mention Award at the highest film award in India is just exhilarating.

Acting happened to me by chance. Even I'm surprised how a man from a small village, Belsand, in Gopalganj district has reached Bollywood.

I didn't have any high aspirations. I just went to Mumbai to get a job after I married Mridula. I thought if I didn't earn, my wife will criticise me.

I've never had any difficulty sharing the screen with any actor. For me, roles are challenging, not co-stars.

I am constantly working.

I do not count how many films or series I am doing in a year.

I try to pick the best from what is offered to me, and then with roles, also, I try to add something new. There is a constant conflict to not become repetitive.

The connect that I have with the audience comes from my hard work and sincerity towards my craft and also because of the opportunities that I have had. I have been able to engage with my audiences. They observe my performances minutely. They think I will do some magic on screen. They like me because I don't do over-the-top acting.

Across the world, wherever good art has been created, that society has been in crisis.

'Stree' is an entertaining film, but it has strong commentary about women.

I make sure I say something important without being preachy through all my performances.

The very fact that people make an effort to search and know more about me is a testament that I am doing my job well.

I am in awe of Rajinikanth. He is a great star, yet so easy-going and grounded.

I just don't play a character for the heck of it. Rather, I always look for a human element in every character that I play.

After passing out of the National School of Drama, I spent many years doing small-time roles in Bollywood.

I want to stay rooted forever.

It has happened many a times where I have taken a project and wasn't happy about it.

When you don't feel good about a film after taking it up, spending 10-15 days on the shoot sets becomes difficult.

The place where I hail from - a village in Gopalganj in North Bihar - people only know two professions: an engineer or a doctor.

I choose films based on scripts.

If something sounds good, and I get a good feeling about it, I'll take it, irrespective of the fee being offered to me.

I am all about learning something new and improving my work.

I find it very funny as well as touching that people associate me with these characters I play and form a connect with them.

I never thought that a time would come that someone will write a story keeping me in mind, or a producer will invest crores of rupees on a film that I will carry on my shoulders.

I enjoy acting and just love to do my roles - big or small.

The more the audience and the society trusts an actor, the more the responsibility increases for the actor.

It doesn't matter if you're a star or not; what is important is that you do your job with absolute honesty.

The best phase for an actor is when he or she gets to choose what they want to play. Sometimes you do a film because the unit is good, the company is fantastic, and the intention is well placed.

One of my favourite songs is 'A Message to You, Rudy,' which was done by the Specials.

Music can really help people, help individuals in beautiful ways.

You should have something to say, an idea you want to get out, and if you don't, just get out of the way, 'cause there's so many great musicians and writers that are in the queue.

It's a sacred thing, but I do want to get married. I'd love that.

My inspiration for songs is just everyday life. I just write down words about things that have happened to me, people I've met.

I can't speak much Italian. I do go down well over there, but it's frustrating because I can't really speak it. Even if I do talk, they can't understand my accent, but I should try to learn it.

It's not about someone making a difference on their own; it's about everybody pulling together to make a difference.

I'm not a fan of second-hand or vintage clothes.

One of my ambitions is to move to Tuscany. I like the idea of getting a vineyard. I love being under the sun and being casual and comfortable. That's my idea of heaven.

I'm always looking for people to play the songs to.

As a kid, I loved to sing along to the Drifters and Otis Redding.

The songs are just an attempt to document what's been happening in my life. If people can relate to what's going on with me, then that's great.

I'm not one to go down that road to say I have some kind of social consciousness.

To sing with Led Zeppelin has allowed me to offer the best places I could afford to my family and friends!

Politicians have an arrogance that I just do not understand. I've seen more constructive debates in high school.

Just remember that if you've lost something, you will be open to something else.

I'm in the highest bracket. There's no way that a 22-year-old should be hit for that amount of money when he's got his whole life ahead of him.

I remember I wanted to be Zorro, but I also wanted to be a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. I obviously had ideas above my station.

I like to record something pretty much as soon as I have an idea for a song, but I'm on so many buses, I have to record on my mobile.