Bollywood’s ‘baby Aamir’

Bollywood's 'baby Aamir': Aditya Singh Rajput

Sweet 16: While still a 'fresher' in college he had already starred in choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant's debut music video. Merely 16 years old then, Aditya Singh Rajput (Addy) simultaneously kick-started his modelling and acting career with biggies like Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan. "I used to model part-time when I was in school and I was persuaded to carry it forward as a full-fledged career. I gave my first screen test for the Hero Honda ad with Hrithik Roshan and was chosen immediately," he smiles. Since then, after almost 90 commercials, he's managed to grab a role in one of last year's acclaimed films, 'Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara.'

Bollywood calling: For this Delhiite with no godfather in Bollywood, it was obviously not an easy task despite such a substantial debut. "I play Urmila's younger brother in the film and I could not ask for a better start. I met Anupam Kher and Jahnu Barua and I guess they thought I was perfect for the role," he says. Nevertheless, for this now 20 year old, playing a serious character like the one in the film was more than he could ask for. "My role in the film had amazing acting potential and my chocolate boy image was shattered," he laughs.

Baby Aamir: However, advertisements have always been and still are Addy's first preference. Having modelled for brands like TVS Apache, Hero Honda, Close-Up, Nokia, Airtel, Coke and many more, Addy admits to having gleaned his acting abilities from his commercials. "I did the Coke ad with Aamir Khan and it was the best experience of all. Saroj Khan kept calling me 'Baby Aamir'," he says. His latest work includes the Cadbury's commercial with Shoojit Sircar and an ongoing remix video.

He don't need no education: In order to fulfil his commitments and elevate his career in the glamour world, Addy had to stop studying after the 12th standard and moved to Mumbai. "I was just 17 when I moved here and my parents were very sceptical of my decision. But I was confident I'd make it."

Like any other newcomer, Addy eventually does want to take up Bollywood full time, but television is a huge no-no for him. "I think television stereotypes an actor and I want to do anything but soaps," he ends decisively.