Aniruddh Dave-article

When he was all but four, Dave watched the Salman Khan starrer, the 1989 blockbuster Maine Pyar Kiya. It was the first time that he was exposed to the word 'I Love You'. A decade later, he used the proverbial words to win a schoolmate's heart.

"I was inspired by Maine Pyar Kiya. It was the first time that I heard the words I Love You. Few years later, I said the same to a friend in school, but she refused, saying 'Aniruddh, you have miles to go before we can think of this. It immediately brought me memories of the particular scene where Karan (Alok Nath) ridicules Prem for being an absolute nobody, one who is simply a rich, spoilt, brat. Her words really hit me hard and I felt like Salman of Maine Pyar Kiya. It gave me a reality check as to where I stood in life then, and that I really had miles to go before I could think of a relationship. I realized the need to establish a career first," said Dave.

Now that he's established himself professionally, (and he's now working for Maine Pyar Kiya producers – Rajshri Productions), will he go back to have a word with that girl?

"No, not really. (Chuckles) I didn't take to acting so that I can prove myself, so that I can make myself worthy of her. I thank her for her inspirational words which invariably had a positive effect on me. Real life script is different from reel one. I'm still in touch with that girl and we're good friends. However, it's not the same anymore. For me, my priority is my career now. Even though, I've been in the industry for 2 over years, I still have miles to go as an actor," replied Dave.

Well, he may have miles to go, but we shall be there to report when Aniruddh next says Maine Pyar Kiya.

-Mayur Lookhar / Sampurn