Dad & I share a strange relationship: Rah

Why weren't you launched sooner?
The time wasn't right. I had lots of offers. My dad had offered me Kalyug earlier but without any hesitation I said no, even though the film sounded great. I had decided that when I do my first film I would do it my way. I turn 24 on January 24 and this is the right debut for me. I don't want to do run-of-the-mill, running around trees in my films.

So what made you say yes now?
I said yes because of the character. The suicide bomber that I play, is exactly me. I see more of myself in the character, than I did in Kalyug. He is a social misfit, doesn't party or womanise and has a fundamentalist attitude. I look down upon many things in the western culture and feel superior to a lot of people.

You always wanted to become an actor?
No. My first love is and always will be bodybuilding but that won't pay my bills. I am a fitness instructor. I decided to take up acting two years ago, when dad and I met on Pooja's shoot of Paap and he narrated a concept, which I took to instantly.

How is your relationship with your dad?
Dad and I have a strange relationship. We see each other once in six months or call up each other once in three months.

For the first 21 years of my life, I hadn't met Dad much, as my mom brought me up. I spent 30 days in close proximity with my dad for the first time on the Paap set and found out that we are exactly the same — we share the same mindset, eat the same, our opinions are the same — it was bizarre.

Is Pooja helping you with your launch?
Yes of course. I am closer to Pooja than my dad. In fact, Pooja is a second mother to me because of our 12-year age difference. She will be helping me with the clothes and styling of Suicide Bomber.

What kind of roles are you looking at in the future?
I want to make my mark as an action hero. I know I have the necessary goods to deliver, so I will make it.