Q: Mani Shankar says he has cast you as the most unusual spy hero ever.

Madhur [Bhandarkar] and Mani. My first big hit in Kannada was Mona Lisa and my new film is called Marathon. I think the letter ‘M’ is very lucky for me. My role in Mani Shankar’s film takes me through the most mind-boggling twists and turns. Mani has shown a lot of faith in me. I hope I live up to those expectations.

Q: Your career is suddenly rocking. A lead with Madhur Bhandarkar. And now you’ve just signed a major film where you play a physically handicapped character?

You can say that again. Madhur’s Corporate which I’m shooting right now is an ensemble film. I feel it will turn out to be as powerful as Madhur’s Page 3. Bipasha Basu is so hot in the film, she’ll burn up the screen. I’m lucky to be working with such talented actors like Kay Kay and Harsh Chhaya. There’s so much to learn from them. Madhur takes care of every character, so they all come alive as real and exciting. Minissha Lamba and I have very well-defined roles. We actually felt like young entrepreneurs on the set. As for Nisha Chainani’s Marathon, it’s a very challenging role. Not too many people my age get to do such a role. I am very very excited. I fell in love with the script as soon as I read it.

Q: Your character in Marathon is based on a real person?

My character Sanjeev is a professional football player who is detected with cancer and loses a leg to the disease. He decides to run the Mumbai marathon as a challenge to fate. I’ve started preparing for my character. Unlike some other recent films which turn physical handicap into comedy, this one means serious business. It is inspired by Lance Armstrong’s life, a professional cyclist who defeated testicular cancer, resumed his life and continues to pursue his career as a professional cyclist. In fact, I just finished reading his biography, It’s Not About The Bike, where he describes his inspiring journey. I feel I’ll ‘race’ ahead with this film!

Q: Being sporty in real life do you think you’re lucky to be doing a sports film?

Yes, it’s exciting to be a part of a sports film. They’re so rare! I have been actively involved with sports since my childhood. In fact, one of my dreams is to do a film on roller skating. But don’t ask me what my favourite sport is. I can’t tell you on record!

Q: How do you see yourself in the journey from Uff...Kya Jadoo Mohabbat Hai to Marathon?

The last one year has been tough because Uff? didn’t do well. After doing a film with the Rajshri banner I thought I’d get suitably prestigious offers. They took their time in coming. Fortunately, I’m now getting the right kind of offers. And I’m about to sign two major films where I play the central character.