What do you think it takes to make it in advertising/films? What qualities would u prescribe to your own work?
It takes both luck and hard work. While on the sets I'm very easygoing, I don't throw any tantrums and do exactly as I'm instructed. At the end of the day your work ethic matters.

What kind of criticism have you faced in the course of your career, and how have you learned to deal with it?
Oh, I've faced a whole lot of criticism as far as my movie career is concerned. I just laugh it off -- it's all part of the game.

What do you think is the commonest mistake newcomers make when they first start out with an assignment? What advice do you have to give them in this regard?
I think I also made the same mistake -- they listen to all the advice that everyone in the industry gives them. Never, ever listen to the random counsel of just anybody -- play it by your gut, unless the person in question is a renowned, respected industry figure. You see, for every one person who has your best interests at heart in Bollywood, there's a hundred others who want to bring you down.

What advice do you have for industry newcomers with regards to the casting couch? Have you ever had to deal with an indecent proposition?
I'm lucky, I've never been propositioned for a role and I think it's because I've always maintained a strictly professional relationship with anyone who's ever approached me with an assignment. Don't be over-friendly and over-eager, that will give anyone the wrong impression about you. Know your limits and don't be bubble-headed -- I think that applies to any career.

Having come such a long way in your career in such a short span of time, given your lack of contacts and influence, what do you want to achieve in the industry? Which dreams are yet to be realised career-wise?
The state of mind I'm in today, I just want to be financially stable. I'm not looking at hits and making it big. Face facts, not everyone can get rich and famous. But in this industry you can be reasonably well-known and still make a decent package.

A stability factor comes into play in your career after you've been trying for years -- at least you get your reputation's worth. So you see, some will have tons of fame and money, others less fame but still good money. I've never planned on working in this line all my life. I'm looking at becoming financially secure, settling down, doing up my own home and raising a family. In my 50's, I don't want to wake up every morning and realise that I have to slog for 12 to 13 hours a day.