“I spent most of my childhood in my village in Haryana, playing kabaddi with my brothers. While I was pursuing my high school, I told my father that I wanted to do my Class 11 and 12 in the nearest city, Karnal, which was about 30km away from my village. Despite coming from a humble agricultural family, my father encouraged me to pursue my career choices. 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 wanted to try my luck and started visiting a few modeling agencies on weekends while I was pursuing my Plus 2. Fortunately, I was able to get some projects while I was still a student. My parents had no idea! While auditioning, I had decided to cut my hair assuming that’s how the things work in the fashion industry. It was a big decision for me to make because every man in my family wore a turban. No body 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 pursued 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 the noted director, Mr. Ashutosh Govarikar’s office. There I met a person from his direction team who asked me if I am interested too for giving the audition. I readily agreed and gave my portfolio. I got a call the next day for the audition and was selected for the role. 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 several 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 five different languages – most of them in Telugu and Hindi languages.

I love how the discipline of the south film industry here and how welcome it is. Filmmaker Puri Jagannath is one of my favourite directors in South – we share a good bond and there’s so much I’ve learnt from him over the years. In retrospect, I’m proud of all the decisions I have made and where that brought me as an actor. I have worked hard so far and will continue to chase my dreams!”