Destiny has played a very important role in shaping my career. As a student in Chandigarh I had no dreams or aspirations of becoming an actor. So, when an opportunity to audition for a role in the serial Raajkumar Aaryyan came along in 2008, I approached it very casually. But my performance in the audition was applauded by Partho Mitra, the director, and I bagged the role.

Thus, began my stint on the small screen and I went on to do serials like Chand Ke Paar Chalo and Yeh Pyaar Na Hoga Kam. Though I wasn’t sure whether I would like to continue as a TV actor, I gained a lot of experience acting in these serials.

After teleserials, I acted in a couple of regional films — Ullasa Utsaha in Kannada and Nuvvila in Telugu. Language was a barrier, but I enjoyed my roles in the films.

My career has been a natural progression — from working in the television industry to doing regional films, finally I have graduated to making my Bollywood debut in Vicky Donor. My first Hindi film has proved to be a significant turning point. The success of the film and my performance in it have now made me a popular face in Bollywood. Adulation from my fans has followed and offers for films and commercials have been pouring in since then. The success of the film has also taught me that being a popular actor is not easy. One has to be very disciplined and dedicated to one’s profession.

I am very careful while choosing the films that I do. My forthcoming films include a Tamil-Telugu bilingual, Gouravam, which is being produced by actor Prakash Raj. Apart from a Hindi film, I also have some brand endorsements lined up.

(As told to Yashodeep Sengupta)