“I spent most of my childhood in a village in Haryana, playing kabaddi with my brothers. But I always dreamt of the city life. After class 10, I told my father that I wanted to study in the nearest city, which was about 30km away from my village. Coming from an agricultural family, we weren’t financially able, but my father agreed. Studying in the city granted me great exposure. My classmates would say I had the right body and face for a modelling career. Back then, I didn’t even know what modelling was. But I was smitten by the idea of being one. I saved some money, packed my bags and went to Delhi to visit a few agencies. My parents had no idea! Most of the agencies asked me to cut my hair. It was a big decision for me to make because every man in my family wore a turban. Nobody ever cut their hair. But I did – it was my first and biggest move. That’s when things got turbulent between my father and me. He didn’t like what I was doing and I knew he needed time to come to terms with it. I moved to Delhi to pursue modelling and soon, I got selected for Lakme Fashion Week. I was asked to come to Mumbai for five days. I hardly had money for the stay or food. It was a challenge! But the feeling of achievement when I walked the ramp with other top models – was unmatchable. I could do anything for that. I was sure that modelling was my passion. But that was before I got the opportunity to act in films.

I accompanied one of my friends to a casting director. My friend wanted that role, but it so happened that I got a call the next day instead of him! I never planned any of this – it seemed like destiny. One of my first films was the Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone starrer Kheelen Hum Jee Jaan Se. Although it was a small role, it was a big moment for me. Since then I have done many films in Telugu and Malayalam as well. My second film was in Malayalam – I didn’t know the language and hardly knew anything about the craft too. But these are the opportunities that teach you so much. When I left my home town, I knew just Punjabi. My Hindi also was poor. Today, I have done films in four different languages – most of them in Telugu. I love the industry here and how welcome it is. Puri Jagannadh is one of my favourite directors – we share a good bond and there’s so much I’ve learnt from him over the years. Now, my first feature film for Netflix is releasing tomorrow and it was an amazing experience. So many racing and action scenes with actors like Sushant (Singh Rajput) and Jacquline (Fernandez). In retrospect, I’m proud of all the decisions I have made and where that brought me. I have worked hard so far and will continue to chase my dreams!”

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