| A little about your character in Kasauti Zindagi Ki.
I'm playing a goody-goody kind of guy, Sharad, and am cast opposite Anurag and Prerna's daughter Sneha. I've just entered the show and we've got married. My character starts by being positive but soon becomes negative. How does it feel to be soon turning into a negative guy?
It's a great feeling. It also feels excellent to be associated with a big show, especially a Balaji soap. It's also a great learning experience to be working with so many talented and experienced actors. I get picked on more so learn faster. Is this your first show?
No, it's my second show on television. I did the lead in Kitne Mast Hain Zindagi, which was also a Balaji show. I'll also be doing a new show with Balaji. The title is tentative. That is also another positive-turning-into-negative character. I love this transition. I feel every actor should do this range rather than stick to goody-two-shoes all the time with sweet expressions. I agree the audience like it but it's also very challenging to make a transition from the good to the bad guy. If you are convincing, the audience accepts you.
It's also very 'in' now to play negative characters!
It's a trend of sorts especially for the not-so-negative looking guys to play negative characters. It takes the audience by surprise. I'm not saying that I'm sweet-looking but I don't look that negative either (laughs). Do you relate to your characters?
Yeah. Everyone has both negative and positive aspects to their character. Having said that, I would like to add that no one is that negative or positive as they are portrayed to be on screen. I relate to Sharad as far as the humour bit is concerned. Humour is very important in my life. I live for it. I love to watch a lot of humour-based shows. I also hang around people and friends who are whacko. But I cannot relate to his law-breaking ways. I can also relate to his balancing act between his family and his in-laws. I'm in a relationship too so I can relate to it. So you admit that one has to resort to manipulation in a relationship?
Definitely! It's not just manipulation but also diplomacy. There's a bit of playing around with emotions. No one admits to it but it's still there. Did you always want to become an actor?
I was a hotelier and acting just happened. I worked for Sheraton in Muscat and did a few ads. I entered the Gladrags contest and later decided to enter the Talent Hunt contest. Almost everyone in the country was participating. But I always had an inclination towards fashion. But, in a way, I guess everyone aspires to become a huge movie star as a kid. But I'm enjoying this acting bit now. A lot of people find Balaji soaps very regressive!
Television serials are being made for the masses. If they are watching it then somewhere they relate to it. It's all well planned by Ekta Kapoor. How about films?
I'd love to. It's a natural step for any actor but it's not easy. I look at television as a training camp. I've learnt to face the camera and get my emotions right. Besides, it helps me to make money. When I actually go out and look for work in films, I'll be financially sound. Do you have hang-ups asking for work?
Not at all! I've started circulating my pictures and meeting people. I come from a hotel background and am used to socialising and meeting people. How would you want to see yourself five years from now?
Not on television. It's good for me today but I'd love to do films. I want to be settled and maybe think of getting married. | 
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