Shabbir Ahluwalia: I have to be a success

We love him, we hate him—he's the bad guy parents warn us about. With an in-your-face confidence and just-perceptible swagger, he's the quintessential bad boy. But he didn't set out to be so.Ahluwalia intended to make his mark in sports (baseball, cricket and soccer), but it wasn't an easy career to pursue in this country. Comparatively, even acting made more sense. Active in his college's drama and dance societies, he gambled on his good looks and decided to give modelling a shot. After a brief trip to check out education opportunities in Canada, he came back to an audition offer from Balaji, for Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi... After that success, Kabhi Toh Milenge and Kahin to Hoga followed—and his star status was sealed. And stardom sits lightly on his shoulders—after all, he always expected it to happen. "This is just the inception of my career. I have always told myself that, whatever I do, I have to be a success," he declares, toning it down with, "I also consider myself lucky for all the viewer-appreciation." Ahluwalia has every thing planned, from short-term goals to long-term dreams. But he plays his cards close. "I'm a little media-shy," he side-steps. Some prodding later, he reveals he's currently shooting for his first movie, Shootout at Lokhandwala. "The movie has a huge star cast, including Sanjay Dutt and Vivek Oberoi. But I have a good role in it. I wish to do movies but only if the script and role are worth my time and effort," he pronounces. And negative roles don't disturb him: "It doesn't matter whether I'm doing films or TV, playing comedian or anti-hero—as long as it interests me, and my audience, I'm fine." He agrees that one has to work the social circuit. And as for preserving those looks, "I do it for myself. When I feel good, I know I'm looking good too!" he says with aplomb. Well, he certainly has the attitude in place. Star struck: "Success hasn't affected me much. It's the people around me who've changed—they treat me differently... you know what I mean?"