'Hiraeth' means homesickness to a home to which you cannot return: the grief of the lost places of your past. I fell in love with the word and instantly connected to it. It reminded me of the days when I had left my home in Gwalior, and I had that strange pull in my stomach, and now I can so relate to this word.

One day, I went to meet a film producer and entered the wrong flat. It was a casting agency, and they suggested that I audition for a four-hero Telugu film. I was confirmed a month later. Interestingly, it's not easy down South for a newcomer to bag positive roles, but I was adamant.

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 couldn't relate to the mindset of people in my hometown. Since I had no educational qualification, I only got menial jobs in Delhi.

I like Bejoy's style of movie making, and the music is always so good in all his movies.

There is nothing else to do in my life... I have no family, relationships - this is the only thing that I do.

I always try that my next film is different than my last movie. I would like to surprise my audience; that, I think, is the job of an actor.

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.

Raashi is a lovely co-star, and we're having so much fun working together. We were talking about how our careers in Bollywood were launched by John Abraham.

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.

'Vicky Donor' or 'Madras Caf,' John's films have been path-breaking. I have full faith in the script of my movie, and my director, too, is a debutante. I like the conviction with which they work, and that gives me a lot of confidence.

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.

From the time I was a child, I wanted to be an actor.

I wanted to escape the drudgery of a small town existence. Any place bigger than Gwalior was fine. I took the first train to Delhi because that was the only fare I could afford.

My life has been pretty unconventional. The publishers saw a story in it, and yes, my life has been put in a book.

I have lost close to 20 kilos, and it has kind of helped prepare my character for 'Sanam Teri Kasam.'

I am a big-structured guy, and so I always felt my weight was justified until I chanced upon Cavemen's diet.

At the age of 16, I ran from my house, did odd jobs till l landed work on television and then in film industry. My first job was at an STD booth in Delhi. Then I came to Mumbai, where I distributed DVDs, and that is when I got my first TV show offer, 'Left Right Left.' I have never planned things in my career.

I wanted to do something new and different. People expected me to do negative roles. I wanted to break the norm, and because of that, I lost on some great work as well.

The fact that Sanjay Leela Bhansali wanted me to be part of his film was a high point in my life.

In the time of social media, I get lots of wishes. It's overwhelming! What makes the day most special is the love I get from my fans, who try to make the occasion extra special. Almost 50 days before my birthday, they have started making plans. In fact, I have been receiving letters, too.

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.

Most youngsters are so well-connected with the rock music circle that they will know instantly if I attempt to imitate any rock star.

The idea of being associated with Bollywood prompted me to get into DVD distribution.