'Hussain's good, but he's not Aman Verma'

I am probably very good at what I do and that's the reason why I keep getting amazing work even after a number of controversies," quips Aman Verma, when asked if the sting operations have stung his career.

Isn't that a bit conceited? "Not at all," pat comes the reply. "Make me a tree and I will still stand out on screen. I know I am good at my work and hence, I can say that. I was a nobody when I entered this industry but look at where I am now. I've managed to gain a foothold in this industry without any godfather," he says.

Currently playing the role of an ambitious businessman and a nagging husband, Veeresh, in Sujata, he is perfectly at ease with playing negative characters. He avers, "I have played negative characters in a number of shows and every single performance has been applauded. Everyone does positive characters but portraying a character that is far removed from one's real self is a challenge. And as an actor, I like to take on challenges."

Does that mean he does not relate to the characters that he plays? "We are actors and are expected to play out characters, even if we are not like them. If I am asked to shoot a romantic scene with a goat, I would do it, simply because I am an actor. There would be absolutely no fun in playing myself on television. But when I am anchoring a show, then I have to be myself, because we don't follow a script. There are constant improvisations that happen live and for that, my style is what counts," he clarifies. Acting or anchoring – what would he prefer? "This is a tough one. I can't take a pick. I have tried my hand at both and both have been equally satisfying."

And while on the subject of anchoring, what does it feel like when he sees Hussain anchoring the show his face was synonymous with once? "Hussain is a very gifted actor and anchor and he handled Indian Idol pretty well. But then, he is not Aman Verma."