‘Only you can find your space’
Minna Zutshi

He’s young, dashing and he already seems to know the ways of Bollywood. Delhi-boy Shiney Ahuja’s film Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi has set him on a roll

I feel I have evolved in the course of the journey. I did my graduation from Delhi. My father has been in the Army. And like most children from the Army background, I have a kind of adaptability that has helped me in adjusting to life in Mumbai.

Mumbai is a city that moves at its own rapid pace. It has its own work ethics. It’s up to you to find your space in that city.

Absolutely. For all the talk about the newcomers being taken for a ride, the truth is that Bollywood is open to newcomers. It offers a good number of opportunities, provided you are receptive enough. When I received the Hero Honda 12th annual Star Screen Award for being "the most promising newcomer", I was touched beyond words. Bollywood is quick to give back, I realised at that time. I had put in my sincere efforts and the reward followed.

What kindled your interest in films?

Films were an afterthought. Initially, it was just ‘acting’ that interested me. I was into theatre. Then modelling assignments came my way. Movies happened much later.

I think good acting matters a lot. If you are convincing in your role, your job is done. You should be able to portray your role with conviction. The rapport you share with your director is also important. It can give a new dimension to the role you are doing.

Well, if you are driving at that talk about my being in the Bhatt camp, I would say it’s not the question of having a godfather. It’s more to do with the vibes you share with a person. Mahesh Bhatt is like an elder brother or rather a father-figure to me. He’s someone very special and it’s an honour for me.

The film gave me recognition. It is not one of those run-of-the-mill movies. The story is engaging and the film has substance to it. Not all actors get a chance to act in such movies.

One of the most interesting movies I am working in is Woh Lamhe. It draws inspiration from the life of Mahesh Bhatt and Parveen Babi. It would be released in the second half of the year. Tanuja Chandra’s Rock In with Sushmita Sen is another film I am looking forward to. Mahesh Bhatt’s Gangster is slated for release next month.

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