Tell us a little about your childhood. What were your school/college days like?
I gew up in Karnal … I studied at the Khalsa Senior Secodary School & S D Senior secondary school. I owe everything I am to these institutions as I spent some of the best days of my life in those hallowed hallways. The carefree abandon with which we lived in those days is something that we cannot even hope to replicate at this age. I have made some strong friends who I am in touch with even today. I held the coveted post of captaincy in my final year of schooling and that taught me how to balance authority with responsibility and be mature!Have you received any awards while at school or college??
Yes. I used to be a state level kabbaddi player and have won several awards for athletics while I was in school.
Who is your favourite Actress?
Madhuri Dixit. The charisma and expressions with which she managed to portray a wide range of roles is unmatched by any other heroine of today. Add to that her graceful dancing and you have a truly spectacular star!
Which is your favourite Film?
That would be Gadar Ek Prem Katha for its timeless story and Sunny Paaji’s 1000 watts performance.
Is there any particular role that you would love to play?
Shaheed Bhagat Singh was one of the most heroic freedom fighters that our country has ever seen & hence the opportunity to play the role of this revered man would be an honour for me.
What is your favourite food?
Makke di roti & sarson da saag with lots of makkhan. There is nothing quite like a good home-cooked meal to make my heart sing!
TV or Films, which do you prefer?
I love each medium although the experience is very different in each of them. In most of the films I’ve done, one works for a few hours in a day so there is always time for other pursuits, while in television one works for 10 to 12 hours in a day. It’s very hectic!
Are you a health freak? What do you do to maintain this high level of fitness for your role as Ghaznavi?
If by a health freak, you mean that I believe in taking care of my physique, then yes I am a health freak! In fact, some years ago, I had even more robust built … almost akin to a body-builder’s! But my trainer asked me to go light on the weight training as I was beginning to get too bulky. However, now with the role of Ghaznavi at hand, I am back to the gym for around 2 hours a day. I am also on a high-protein diet with no carbs post 7 PM and I start my day with an hour of the south Indian martial arts form Kalaripayattu for increased agility and strength. That way, I gain strength and muscular size without looking beefy or body builder-like!
When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career in modeling and acting?
I actually had a realization quite early on in life about my passion for modeling and acting. It was after my 12th class exams when I went to Delhi to pursue a higher education that I realised that this was something that I wanted to make a career out of. One fine day, I shot my portfolio and auditioned for the Lakme Fashion Week. I cleared the audition and on July 19, 2004, on the day of my birthday, I walked the ramp for the first time. That was the best moment in my life, and since then, the journey has been amazing.