Reneta, Bollywood Trade News Network

To begin with, how did Bollywood happen to you?

I come from a simple family. Acting had always been my dream and I was determined to shape my own destiny. After completing my academics from Delhi, I moved to the city of hopes and dreams, Mumbai. The road was tough, until I found my first calling through my mentor and friend Ram Gopal Verma. He is a daring man I should say. When he cast me in JUNGLE, he had more belief in me than I had in myself. With God's grace, commitment, and hard work, I have reached where I am today.

You are currently shooting for a film based on the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Could you tell us more about your role?

Yeah, I am currently shooting for BHOPAL: A PRAYER FOR RAIN, based on the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. The project is exciting, and the character I portray is close to my heart, where I see shades of myself.

In an industry which is obsessed with a hot-bod with six pack abs, you have carved your own niche. What would you attribute this to?

Despite doing over 150 films, I feel I am still learning the tricks of the trade. I believe each actor has his own unique charm that stands out despite the fact that the other actor in front may be a big superstar. I have never been intimidated by this fact and I believe my conviction brings out the realism in the characters I portray.

You seem to be more popular for your comic portrayals. Do you fear getting typecast?

I guess you are talking about getting typecast by playing only certain roles. I never get bothered by such thoughts. And mind you, I have played characters like the one in JUNGLE that was equally appreciated. I think versatility is still my charm that producers seem to be recognizing constantly. At the same time, I enjoy comedy, Charlie Chaplin being my inspiration, though I have never imitated him!

For an actor like you, how much does box office success matter? What about PATI, PATNI AUR WOH which did not do too well?

I don't judge films based on the hit-flop box-office response alone. I'm sure the audiences liked the plot of PATI, PATNI AUR WOH and I got a huge response from my fans. It is still one of the films that is close to my heart.

We know about your friendship with Ram Gopal Verma. Who are your other close buddies in B Town?

I have great respect for Ramuji. Had it not been for him, I would have not got what I have achieved today. I have never probed for details or the significance of my portrayal whenever he has tried to cast me, because I know he has my best interests in mind when doing so. I love the chemistry we share on and off screen.

I share a special bonding with many of my other colleagues in the industry since I have worked with them. If I have to name a few apart from Ramuji, it would be Sanjay Dutt, Salman Khan, and SRK, who are very close to me and have always been a great support. Though, I may not meet them everyday, the bond we share is a good feeling in itself.

Given your hectic work schedule, how do you manage your personal commitments?

My family is my biggest asset, and I make it point for us to spend enough time together when I am not shooting. I am a simple man and have never seen myself in a different light than what I was years before as a starry eyed youngster. My family and friends have always provided me with the much needed support and I am happy the way God has shaped my destiny.