Ankita Lokhande hated me initially: Sushant Singh Rajput

Though just two films old, 27-year-old Sushant Singh Rajput has a huge fan following from his stint on TV where he played Manav Deshmukhin Pavitra Rishta. He discusses his career, girlfriend Ankita Lokhande and life.

How did acting happen? In my first year of college I went to Shiamak (Davar) and he encouraged me to join the Barry John Theatre group. Since I was so shy and introverted, when I started with the performing arts, it was liberating. Bringing out your vulnerable side and shedding your privacy in front of complete strangers is so very difficult but when you are into the performance, the relief and release is so extraordinary that you get addicted. Since I think I am very boring in normal life, I tend to hide behind all theseexciting characters making people believe that I am someone else entirely. That feeling is very powerful.

Were you a flirt in college? Not at all.

Did girls flirt with you? Occasionally yes, but I was so shy, I had no clue how to respond.

Are you interested in direction too? Filmmaking is my passion. Acting is just one part of my ambition. Everything to do with filmmaking, be it cinematography or editing or directing excites me. As a filmmaker you get to say things... it is your story and vision.

How was your experience shooting with Parineeti Chopra? Parineeti is a very confident and spontaneous actor. Our chemistry in Shudh Desi Romance looked very organic, and real. She is senior to me and is very supportive.

From the current lot of actors, who do you think is best and why? I'd say Nawazuddin Siddiqui is the best actor because his choice of roles are so diametrically opposite from each other and he pulls it off almost every time so convincingly.

What's the one big difference between being a popular TV star and a popular movie star? The one big difference is the pay cheque. From an actor's perspective there is hardly any difference as you have to be truthful to yourself, to your script, to your co-actors.

If not an actor, Sushant Singh Rajput would be... An aspiring actor.

One strength and one weakness that defines you. One weakness would be the inability to express myself when I am not acting. It's because of this reason that I am an actor. My strength would be my honesty and my passion towards my work.

Was it love at first sight with Ankita Lokhande? I met her during the shoot of Pavitra Rishta and yes I was very happy and excited to see her. However, she hated me initially. But then after spending so many hours with me every day she didn't have an option. I hope to do a film, preferably romantic, with her soon.

What's your idea of an ideal date? Some quiet place, a candid conversation, holding hands, doing small little things that make a difference.

With which romantic song would you woo your girl? Suraj Hua Maddham...

Any message for your Follo'ers? It's because of my follo'ers that I am getting so many good offers so early in my career and I would just say that I will try my best to entertain them and not to disappoint them with every character I play.

By Indu Mirani