Ever since I was a little kid, the only thing that fascinated me, excited me, and engaged me was Hindi films. I didn’t know anything beyond Hindi films. I was a ‘filmi bachcha.’

My ambition was always to bag a lead role in a film, and hence, I refrained from doing any ads, TV serials, music videos, as I felt that a fresh face always works much better. It was a gamble, and I took that gamble telling myself that I will give it my all to bag a lead role.

You will never win if you don’t deal with your work ethically. All that you need to do is to stick to your principles; morals are relative.

When I was launched in 2010, people told me that I wasn’t the best looking guy, so I would have to act really well. I am aware that I am not conventionally good looking. I have heard it so many times that I have started believing it.

I just stick to my job, which is acting. Things like posters, publicity material, and promotions are entirely the film-maker’s prerogative. I don’t get into all of that.

Someday, I plan to buy a house in Goa, do only one movie a year, and spend the rest of time painting, learning how to cook, cooking for friends, and doing yoga.

I am usually a fun-loving person, and I say most of the things in a jest. Sometimes I get in trouble, but over a period of time, I think people now realise that most of the things I say are in jest.

Everyone has a mobile phone with a camera; every phone can record video. You have to be prepared to be captured. It’s very easy to be misconstrued and presented in ways that you wouldn’t prefer. If I take a selfie with bags under my eyes, it becomes a hashtag.

I must say, I was a very filmy kid. I used to watch a lot of TV and get very influenced by Bollywood.

I always wanted to be an actor ever since I was a little kid. I knew that I had to do something related to performing arts, and I enjoyed acting the most as it incorporated so many different art forms.

Every problem seems like a mountain to me, and when I’m fit, I feel like I can conquer anything. When the opposite happens, I go into a funk. A real, real funk.

Fashion is an expression of what you’re feeling.

I don’t do anything just for the sake of it. I don’t live my life for the sake of it.

I’ve learnt that you shouldn’t take people seriously, whether they praise you or trash you.

I really enjoy doing cameos. It is just a day‘s work, and you get to play a new character.

Let me put it this way: if I am the leading man of the film, and the film-maker is asking me to support him in a certain aspect so as not to burden the budget of the film, I will do whatever I can to support his vision.

I like to be present; I like to be in the now. The way life has shaped up, it is difficult, you know, with mobile phones taking you to another time and space all the time. So it’s always a battle to stay in the moment. But according to me, it’s a better way to be.

I treat all women with the utmost respect both professionally and personally and would never do anything to disrespect them.

I love chocolates. It could be something as simple as a chocolate cake with vanilla ice-cream, or it could be macarons filled with chocolate.

I would never recommend going on a crash diet. Drastically reducing your calorie intake can cause numerous problems, and your body will store fat because you have sent it into starvation mode. I eat every two hours to maintain my blood sugar levels.

I don’t think I have any set image, and I don’t want one. If I think I’m getting a particular image, I try and break it. I find it very important to keep the audience guessing and keep them on their toes.

I come from a family where people are physically affectionate. Hugging and kissing comes naturally to me.