One wrong step can spoil things: Ali

Small screen star Ali Merchant is a strong believer in destiny.

Dubbing his journey as an actor the best thing that could have happened to him, Ali says, "I never thought when I started off as an actor that I would be here one day."

A commerce graduate, Ali had always wanted to get into theatre. After winning a personality contest at college he decided to venture into acting.

"It was a little difficult to get started. Since I looked too young, I had to groom myself to look a little mature after which many projects started materialising", reveals Ali.

Having enjoyed a couple of anchoring assignments, Ali seems to be all for anchoring. He says, "Two years from now, I want to go on a month long world tour and take a break form TV shows, concentrating more on anchoring. Interacting with the crowd while anchoring gives me a real high. Ideally I would love to do a daily show and anchor one show at a time."

Ali describes himself as a kid at heart. He says, "I am very inquisitive, affectionate and high on life." While at work, Ali is always up to pranks, "I do a lot of masti on the sets. I like to maintain a good working relationship with everybody, right from the spot boys to the top guys. It's important to create good vibes, one wrong step can spoil things."

The character of Hrithik Roshan in Koi Mil Gaya is his dream role. He says, "I would love to play a character like that. It would be like a real challenge."

And while Ali loves the idea of doing reality television at a later stage of his career, he does confess that he'd want to do a dance reality show. "As a trained dancer, I'd like to take part in one. But right now, with some of my new shows on air, I'd rather wait for one of them to wind up before I think of something else."
Working round the clock means, Ali barely ever has time to indulge in any of his hobbies. He says, "I have been shooting 18 hours on an average for the past one month. That hardly leaves me with time to pursue any hobby. Although my favourite pastime has been swimming, dancing and clubbing. When I get some time I like to jam at a friend's place. That apart I like meeting a lot of people from different cities."

Television's most sought after bachelor, Ali confirms that he's single but claims he's definitely looking out. He reveals, "I am definitely awaiting someone's presence in my life. Although I spend more than half my waking hours in shooting, the minute my shot is canned, I am dead to the world." So, what would his ideal girl be like? And Ali comes up with a wacky one, "She should share the same interests as me. I don't believe that opposites attract. She should be funky, a drama queen, high on energy, a little confused in life and someone I can worship."

So, in case someone fits Ali's wishlist, you do know what to do!