Sendhil Ramamurthy, who shot to fame as the sexy scientist on Heroes, didn’t discover acting until late in the game. He was originally studying medicine and planning to follow in the footsteps of his physician parents. The course required him to complete an arts credit and, as luck would have it, he signed up for Intro to Acting. “I thought it would be easy and I would get to meet girls in class,” explains the 33-year-old. “Then I ended up loving it and stopped thinking about being a doctor.”

His parents may have been disappointed with his career U-turn at the time, but since Sendhil is now starring in one of America’s top TV dramas, no doubt they’re pleased with the outcome.

On Heroes, Sendhil plays Mohinder Suresh, a genetics professor who taps into a worldwide phenomenon in which regular folks learn that they have extraordinary abilities. Although his Heroes character is one of the few without any super powers, he exudes enough charm and charisma to overpower mere mortals.

As the series prepares to return to STAR World (Tuesday, 9pm), the handsome star reflects on fame, fans and family...

What changes are in store for your character this season?

My character has changed so much. I read the script [for the new episodes] and went, ‘Really? I am going to do that? Cool!’ It’s something I never thought my character would be doing, but there’s a reason for everything he does. All will be revealed!

Heroes has an obsessive fan base. What are the most unusual gifts you’ve received from viewers?

I’ve received several pairs of women’s undergarments; I’ve also received a few pairs of men’s undergarments! A guy sent me a box of research that said he could levitate. He also said he would be happy to come to my lab and have me run experiments on him.

Were you disappointed when you found your character was the only one without super powers?

I understood that my character is the narrator of the story. It’s my job to take the audience through the journey. When I auditioned, there wasn’t a narrator. But since it is a story that has this kind of global scope, you need somebody to bring it all together. That’s my job, so I am happy.

Tell us two unusual things that we probably don’t know about you?

I was a competitive tennis player and I am a big fan of red wine — but I am not an alcoholic!

When did you last feel like a hero?

I spoke to a group of kids who all came from low-income families. I spoke to them and encouraged them to go back to school. I think that’s the best thing you can do — help kids and make sure they stay on the right track.

You and Masi are two of the breakout stars of the show. Do you think American audiences are now more willing to accept Asian actors?

I think so. The response has definitely been extraordinary. It just shows that the audience wants it. They want people on TV that they see walking in the street. With the success of shows like Heroes and Lost, I believe we are going to see more and more Asian faces on TV.

How has the success of Heroes changed your life?

My life has changed in so many ways. Walking down the street or going to a restaurant is different now. People want to talk to me now. My child is very young so she doesn’t know what’s happening, but she points at the TV when she sees me on screen.

Who are your heroes?

My parents. Being an actor is not the standard path for an Indian guy but they have embraced it. And I appreciate the fact that they have supported me, not just financially but also emotionally. It’s hard to be an actor because you get rejected all the time!