How did the transition from running a bakery with your mother to being an actor happenIJ
I had been a waiter at the Taj Group of Hotels for a couple of years and also worked at my mother’s shop, making wafers and hot chips. Then I took up amateur photography. I would sell these for Rs 100-Rs 150 to small magazines. The next two three years were tough but then things started to look up. I took up photography professionally and became quite successful at it, especially for ad shoots. I have done portfolios for Neha Dhupia, Diana Hayden, Gauhar Khan the Miss India and Miss Universe contest.
What tips did you take at the bakeryIJ
I am not a very good cook. But one thing I can say with confidence is that I make fantastic wafers. I know the thickness they need to be sliced at, how much they need to be fried and what is the right proportion for the right crispiness.
How did theatre happenIJ
While doing shoots, I got involved with theatre. I did it for 13 years. This was the best training ground for me as an actor. I learnt voice modulation, stage craft and got an understanding of other acting nuances. Then I got the right break in cinema.
How comfortable are you doing adsIJ
I did ads 22 years back when I was 34 years old. It all began as a model-actor. I had done over 120 commercials before I became an actor. I’ve done ads for almost all products. I wanted to do common man characters like the one in the Krackjack campaign rather than take a model stance. So ads are second nature to me. The only difference is that now I am playing actor-ambassador when I do them.
Which medium do you preferIJ
It is difficult to choose one. Playing a character is what it is all about, whether it is on stage, film or for an ad. In the ad, one not only has to complete it in 30 seconds, it involves a lot of technicality too. One needs the right expressions and tell a sensible story in 22 seconds.
Did you think that Munna Bhai MBBS would become such a big hitIJ
Not at all. It never occurred to me that the movie would change my life and that films would become my main profession.
Have you now become typecastIJ
I don’t think so. I may be doing similar kind of roles but I make sure that no two characters are the same. Take Dr Asthana and Virus as examples. They may appear to be same but the treatment setting them apart.
What made you yes to being a brand ambassador for Ambi PurIJ What is the smelfie challengeIJ
long before I became the brand ambassador, I had been using the product. I always felt that however good a host you may be, if the house smells it takes away the positive energy. So when I talk about the product, I speak from the heart and know that it works. The smelfie challenge involves people sending a selfie video which talks about bad smell. The one that is chosen is invited for a party where the person can challenge me to get rid of any smell — hence the title ‘smelfie’.
What nextIJ
lunch (laughs). On a more serious note, for now, I don’t have anything in hand but am busy reading scripts.