After few hours of work, you feel like running back to your family.
— Gautam Rode
In my childhood, I used to usually visit Christmas fairs in our area and at school with my friends and I really miss those days.
Mahakumbh' has a very unique concept and I was certain to take it up when I heard the script for the first time.
Maha Kumbh' blends elements from Hindu mythology with the international espionage thriller. Nothing like it has ever been attempted on Indian television.
Being a TV actor, I have done many roles. Working daily at times gets to you.
For an actor, it's important to choose the right kind of project.
Initially, in 'Suryaputra Karn,' we tried a wig but it looked unnatural, so I grew my hair.
Growing a beard is tough and not as easy as one might think.
Once you are known, people start banking on you and see if your other projects are successful or not.
I would love to turn producer someday but the time has to be right.
I think we forget sometimes how blessed we are to be able to help others and make a difference!
There is a beauty of seeing a picture and making out what the story behind it might be.
An actor can never plan. You never know what can work in your favor or not and then, may be the whole dynamics can change.
About Lucknow, I have become a frequent visitor here now and have started knowing the city quite well. In fact, I was also planning to set up a cafe here as I loved the city so much. There is so much scope for business here.
When I am travelling or shooting outdoors, and if there is no gym around, I do pull-ups. If there is a bar somewhere, I manage push-ups, squats, and generally I just sweat it out in the room or my vanity van. But I make sure my workout regime is never hampered at any cost!
Never say never, but I won't kiss just for the heck of it.
I choose roles according to my sensibilities.
Whatever I do, no matter it's for television, web or the big screen - it should satisfy me as an actor.
My message to my admirers is please take part in initiatives where you can do something for those actually in need and Christmas is a really beautiful opportunity to do so.
I am single, and my mother is worried. She wants me to get married. Now that I'm in my 30s, I can't wait for the work-load to slow down. I need to find someone who will accompany me in my professional journey.
We don't look at 'Maha Kumbh' as just another serial. We would like viewers to see what we see. We haven't had a game-changer on Indian television for a very long time. We hope this one will make difference to the way audiences look at the home-viewing medium.
When doing films, ones acting skills are polished, and the actor delivers a better performance.
Fans come up to me to talk, shake hands, hug and click photos; I usually oblige because I can see how much they admire me.
Just working on a character and his mannerisms, but not looking the part, is not my thing. It is your duty as an actor to be honest to the character.
My family has always supported me and I love spending time with them during my free time.
No matter how tired I am, or whether I have injured my back or neck while shooting, I don't ever miss the gym.
Both 'Saraswatichandra' and 'Mahakumbh' are extremely close to my heart. The shows are polar opposites and so are the characters but I have loved being a part of both of them.
I am not a dancer. In fact, I have no formal training in dance.
I had always heard that theatre is for 'serious' actors but after actually having rehearsed day in and day out, I realize how challenging it is.
There are some projects which you just can't say no to, and 'Kaal Bhairav'... is one such show.
U.P. is always in news because of its politics.
My cheat food is mainly all the sweet stuff I love to eat - pastries, chocolates, cakes and besan ka ladoo.
I can't do only goody-goody roles. I can't be complacent, I have to play characters in different genres.
I don't take pressure or keep expectations because then it becomes difficult to concentrate.
Christmas is a really special day since I support the initiative 'Helping Hands' and I celebrate Christmas with the kids there. I take them to a place they would enjoy, like a hotel or fun zone and spend time with them as we play together and I become Santa for them.
Everyone who comes to the entertainment industry wants to be a film actor. Who wants to be a television actor by choice? I want to change the perception of Indian television as being the poor man's medium.
There is no money in films, till the time you make it to a certain bracket.
Love makes you do things you can never imagine.
Fan experiences are special. They make me feel that I must have done something good enough to receive so much love from so many people.
I have always donned different looks going with the requirement of the roles I played.
There are people who envy you and don't want to see you succeed, but there are also people who pray for your success.
Production is not an easy game and I would want to be prepared with the right team, script, etc before getting into it.
The love and unwavering support I get from my admirers is the biggest compliment.
Theatre is for you if you truly want to act and test yourself. There is no room for error as you are performing in front of a live audience.
If films don't work, you have to be realistic and keep taking up television projects.
I don't like the idea of a reality show. It makes me like a student in school who is competing in a competition.
I have been a vegetarian for a few years now, and I am honestly managing it quite well in sync with my workouts and maintaining my physique as well. From whey protein to cottage cheese to tofu, all my proteins, carbs and far content are well in place and balanced.
My breakfast consists of skimmed milk, a scoop of whey protein, and granola with dry fruits and oats.
I have to evolve as an actor.
