'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 ran away from my home in Gwalior and bought myself a ticket to Delhi. That was the nearest metro, and the cheapest ticket was for Rs 74.

I was distributing DVDs in Mumbai in 2006, and that is when I got my first TV show offer - 'Left Right Left.'

I strongly believe that when you are cast in a role, there will be similarity in the character and you - why else would you be chosen for the character?

My father looked like this serious guy but was actually a very kind person.

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.

For me, there's one film at a time, and my only benchmark is that my current film should be better than my last one, and I've made sure of that. If you Google the trailer of my first film - which I request you not to - you'll see the vast change in my approach towards my profession and the slow gain of maturity in performing.

I love travelling and exploring different places in India and around the world.

I often end up travelling in my Jeep for long distance road trips.

I must confess that I was not always the perfect boyfriend.

The idea of meeting my former girlfriend's current boyfriend seemed insane and absolutely bizarre to me in the beginning. But I am glad I gave it a shot!

I took my time to learn the craft and procedure. I wanted to do some substantial work first in cinema.

I'm happy that I could learn many things before entering Bollywood in 2015.

I've learnt that there's absolutely no difference in Telugu and Hindi industries. Everything is almost identical. The only difference is that Hindi films have a wider release.

There's a misconception that actors with no background don't get any exposure from big production houses. I think people should start rethinking about it.

Just like how you find players from different backgrounds in Indian cricket team, our Telugu industry is looking for talent, and it doesn't matter where it comes from.

I just followed my gut feeling when I went to Hyderabad in 2008.

I don't think at any age I will be able to feel totally accomplished.

Accomplishments are very subjective.

There is never going to be an end point. But definitely, I am happy to complete a certain part of my journey, and that's something I want to celebrate.

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 fled my home town and did odd jobs, including things like re-designing old furniture, before I became an actor. Having said that, I don't think the story of my life is in any way remarkable. What is remarkable is how acting opportunities have come my way.

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.

I have learnt three things from Barry John which are applicable to life, too: Don't expect anything from another actor, one shouldn't judge, and one shouldn't block things.

I would do theatre till I die. Theatre keeps your honesty alive. You can't pollute yourself. You learn a lot, and you use theatre techniques in life.

I don't come from a film background, so I am free to work in any script that interests me.

After school, I started living on my own. After my dad passed away, I didn't know where to go and eventually decided to hang on here in Hyderabad.

I believe that anyone who chooses a path and keeps walking will find a positive result some day. I didn't want to go with the flow and do any kind of film that came my way and wind up my career swiftly.

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.

I spent my childhood trying to express myself, and I was not very good at it. In my town, most kids would take up engineering or medicine or something else, but acting was not an option.

I was in a daze in my childhood mostly - always looking out of the window, waiting for some life to happen that I wanted to live. Now I realise it is this, and that's what got me out of Gwalior.

I always wanted to do something related to the camera. When you are young, these are dreams you feel embarrassed talking about. You don't want to be made fun of. That would leave a scar on an young mind.

My father was a doctor, but his passion was making cars, and he was also very good at carpentry. He was a gem, and I don't blame him for not understanding me. When I told him that I would be leaving, he checked his pocket and took out 100-rupee note and gave it to me. He did not like that I was leaving, yet he gave me the money.

The first thing Ravi Babu asked when we met was, did I watch horror movies? I told him it took me years to get over Ram Gopal Varma's 'Raat!'

I don't naturally have the body language of a software guy.

Any passionate actor, if he is spoon-fed, will deliver.

I believe there is a shallow side to every actor, who craves to be presented well.

My father was like an unpolished diamond - tough outside but warm inside.

When people heard my voice, they were shocked that I could speak Hindi.

I want to constantly do better than my last film.

Fashion is supposed to be fun, but killing animals for fashion is definitely not fun.

We are killing a living thing just so that we can wear it? I think fake leather is also beautiful and lasts longer. All I am saying is that if you like wearing leather stuff, put in some extra effort and explore the market. Take on fake leather and stop being part of this cruelty.

People used to call me for donations, and I couldn't relate to that because I have spent most of my life trying to support myself.

For a shot, I had to look like I've slipped on wet floor and hurt my back. My director wanted me to just act it out, but I insisted on doing it with water on the floor to make it look authentic. He was against the idea, but I did it and almost broke my back.

In 'Maaya,' I'm going shirtless for the first time in my career. My producer requested me to take off my shirt in one of the scenes. I have been working extremely hard to flaunt a perfect body for the scene.

I'm not going to have a six-pack abs. I think it's a luxury to have six-pack abs, but I don't think I can afford it yet. It's extremely tough, and I think having it will be an achievement.

As an actor, I want to do something I will be remembered for. I think 'Maaya' is that kind of film.

A rock star, according to my definition, is someone who inspires people around him with something he is best at. In my case, it's music, but I wanted audiences to realise there is a rock star waiting to be unleashed within them as well.

I know how to play the acoustic guitar, but I'm learning to play the electric guitar now. I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience.

Whenever I meet my friends, we talk about our teachers.