Salmans my best friend!!

You made a grand debut opposite none other than superstar Salman Khan in Lucky last year. Where have you been since?
Salman's my best friend and I was lucky to act with him, but I've never been a Bollywood fan before I entered it. I always liked young, crazy English films like Dirty Dancing, Sound Of Music, Fast and Furious more because I understood them better. After Lucky, I have been studying for my TYBCom through a private course. My family has always been after me to get my degree.

You seem to be working in the same camp of the Khan family...
It's as good as it gets. I'm so overwhelmed that I'm working with Salman and Sohail Khan, both of whom are very talented actors. I'm now like the bachcha of their family. I have no such rules that I will only work with them. It's sheer coincidence that Salman and Sohail have been my first and second co-stars.

What are your future plans? Do you want to continue acting in films or...?
Of course I do! But I don't want to make it a 24/7 job. My basic work plan is that about three films of mine should release in a year and some commercials. I have age on my side and there is a lot more to do in life. So, whatever I lose out on now, I can cover up later, till I am a good actor.

Your name is synonymous with Aishwarya Rai's for the way you look? How do you feel about that?
I'm used to it now and I have no issues being compared with her at all as long as she doesn't hate me! (laughs)

Do you think looking like Ash has proved a disadvantage in your career?
I don't think it's a disadvantage or an advantage. If it had ended at the comparison, I don't think I would have got work. People like the way I look and more importantly, act, that's why I'm in the industry today. Looks are not the only thing that the public wants.

You seem to have gained some weight?
That's a compliment since I'm trying to gain about five kilos! I'm eating all the things that actors don't eat — cheese, french fries and colas to gain the weight. You know what, I don't even go to the gym!

Hasn't Salman's workout regime and buff body had any influence on you?
Salman does hardcore workouts. When I was working with him, he would make me work as hard as him. Till I dropped dead on the floor, he didn't let me go. I also got josh that even I will work out just like him and after four days, I just couldn't do it and gave up. Right now, I have decided that I will first put on weight and then go to the gym.