He wanted to be an actor right from his college days. The kid brother of Boney Kapoor and and Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor was decided on his course in life.

His first film Prem in 1993, opposite Tabu, bombed at the box office. Kartavya, Raja, Beqabu, Mere Sapno Ki Rani, Mohabbat, Sirf Tum and Chuppa Rustam followed. The last two films did well but success seems to have eluded this Kapoor.

A self-confessed family man, he admits the three brothers have always been close to each other. Sanjay recalls that Boney was a bully. "But he only bullied Anil because their age difference is only a year. I was spared."

Sanjay is back to the silver screen with Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche and in a negative role for the first time.

The Libran talks to Latika Sidana about his new avatar:

Your new hairstyle seems to be in the news these days...

I first sported this look in KMDSP but I have kept it for my other two films as well.

Initially, I was worried about it but everyone seems to have liked it. Also, I started feeling comfortable with it. It suits me.

Tell us about KMDSP.

It is a remake of the Telugu film, Belli. I was to play the lead role in the film with an established actress in the lead and established actor as the villain.

Then one day, Sri [Devi] saw Esha at a party and thought she was perfect for the role. So she spoke to Hemaji, who agreed. As it happened, Dharamji did not want Esha to act in the film. After some convincing, he agreed.

Your author-backed negative role is said to have the hero's role pale in comparison. Aftab is said to be unhappy about the way things have shaped up...

Nothing like that. I really liked the negative role because it gave me an opportunity to do something different. That's why I jumped.

As for Aftab, he has a fantastic role. He should be thankful because it is the only solo hero film on hand.

Sirf Tum and Chhupa Rustam were hits but you didn't get the required credit...

I don't believe in being bitter nor have I any desire to settle scores. I have waited patiently for my time. So many actors have witnessed a mercurial growth in their career but they haven't lasted long.

I am not flooded with film offers despite the success of my two films. This is an industry where you are as good as your last film. I will get my dues. I can't be impatient about it.

Luckily enough, I have a very close-knit family. That makes me confident. And no, my brothers don't advise me every day nor do we sit at the dining table planning. I just know that they are there to support me. That has helped me a great deal.

How does it feel to be constantly compared to Anil Kapoor?

It no longer matters to me anymore. They compared my first film with Anil's last film at the time which is unfair. They did not treat me as a newcomer but as Anil Kapoor's younger brother, which again is not fair.

Fortunately for me, Anil is not my identity. I have an identity of my own. There are times when I am still introduced as Anil Kapoor's brother -- that is something I can't escape. No matter how successful Rishi Kapoor is, he will always be known as Raj Kapoor's son. Esha Deol will always be called Hema Malini's daughter. Kareena Kapoor will always be Karisma Kapoor's sister.

There's no point in being insecure about your legacy. You just have to live with it.

How has marriage to Maheep Sandhu changed you?

I have changed for the better. My daughter Shayana is the number one girl in my life. I love spending time with her. They accompany me on my shootings abroad.

Fatherhood has made me happy and content.

With inputs from Ronjita Kulkarni

You might also want to read:
'Hrithik: My first choice': Boney Kapoor
'My dream debut': Esha Deol
'A long way to stardom': Esha Deol
Vinay Shukla on directing Esha
Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche: A slide show
Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche: On the sets
Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche: Music review