But to continue to get work and make a mark in the industry after you have entered into it, that's the hard part. You may do two advertisements, or maybe three movies -- after that, to be called again and again, handed new assignments, keep yourself in the limelight -- that is the struggle.

When my first movies didn't do well, I was obviously disappointed. However, if you harbour disappointments for long in this industry, the pressure becomes too much to handle -- you'll spiral downwards, I've heard of people becoming suicidal, or then leaving the country to live a new life elsewhere. You need to realise that you've put in your best and the outcome of the movie is not in your hands. There are days when I feel low, of course, but then I'm lucky to have friends outside of Bollywood who I love. No one in the movie industry is really your friend. There are, however, a few who you come to know and cherish within the industry. For instance, Koyal Puri and me are super pals and Dino Morea is a wonderful friend too.

Do you believe that youngsters looking to make a foray into advertising/Bollywood today have it easier, or vice versa and why? What is your opinion of the current scenario?
Not at all -- if you look good on screen, you'll definitely land yourself a couple of assignments. In fact, today everyone is making music videos, movies etc -- it's very easy for a good-looking youngster to land a part in one of them. The breakthrough is easy, but as I said, sustenance is hard -- to sustain yourself, get noticed and keep assignments rolling in is tough.

Do you believe in the 'lucky break' factor, or do you believe those working in advertising/ films have to make their own opportunities if they want to forge ahead?
Oh, you definitely need a lucky break -- Piya Basanti was mine. There are thousands of good-looking, talented youngsters trying to get into this industry, but only if they get a break will they make it big -- it's destiny. That is not to say that I believe you can't shape your own destiny, but in Bollywood, it can take just one movie to decide your fate. I've been lucky to sustain my career, but I don't think I've 'made it', so to speak, yet.

Of all the movie assignments you've handled so far, which is your favourite, and why?
Definitely Anwar (written and directed by Manish Jha). I loved the script the minute I saw it and I still think it was a great movie, even though it flopped. I don't think people grasped the concept of the film -- also, a lot of a film's success depends upon its distribution and Anwar's distribution was terrible.

Do you feel the pressure that comes with a reputation every time you embark upon a new assignment?
I get nervous, but it's a good kind of nervousness -- excitement and the hope of proving myself. Initially, I used to have expectations of the box office, but now I've come to the conclusion that expectations only lead to disappointments. Expect nothing and do your best. If it clicks, great, if not, move on to the next assignment and try to do better.