You seem to be frequenting Gujarat of late.Yes, this is my second visit to Vadodara in less than two months (smiles). I came here to inaugurate a spa and beauty salon. The last time I was in Gujarat to promote Ek Thi Daayan, I was down with fever and I am glad to be back here on a happier note! It's a special state and I had a great time shooting for D-Day in and around Ahmedabad. Shooting in Dasada was particularly fun, and I loved the company of emus and ducks at the resort where we stayed! Your choice of roles has been pretty unconventional.I look at a film in its totality and feel that it's juvenile for an actor to say 'yes' to a role without considering every possible factor associated with the movie. I only take up films that I believe in and so far, my decisions have paid off. Many people advised me against doing Gangs of Wasseypur (GOW) and said that I should do a big film to get noticed. I am very happy to be doing such diverse roles and working with some of our best filmmakers. I have even done a stylish item number for the Hollywood film Trishna. What more could I have asked for at the beginning of my career? I owe my success to two people — N K Sharma (Delhi-based theatre director) and Anurag Kashyap. While Sharmaji used to tell me that I must pursue acting seriously, Anurag always encouraged me to believe in my talent. Although from a conservative family, both you and your brother (Saqib Saleem) are doing Bollywood films now. How has the journey been? Almost every youngster in India finds it difficult to convince his/her parents about career choices. It wasn't easy to convince my parents but like all great Indian families, they eventually allowed me to pursue my dreams after some marathon rounds of discussions and meetings.

The best part is that they remain totally untouched by my stardom or the glitz and glamour of Bollywood! I am reminded of a funny incident here (pauses)... Please go on.At the screening of Nikhil Advani's Delhi Safari, I met Irrfan, an actor we all adore, and introduced my father to him. Not recognising who he was and despite all my efforts, my father kept on saying, 'Maine aap ko kahin dekha hai!' Irrfan, being the thorough gentleman that he is, resolved the crisis by saying, 'Mujhe bhi lagta hai ki maine aap ko pehle dekha hai!' That's how my family is — simple, sweet and in a world that is far removed from the film world! Have you ever felt like an outsider in Bollywood?No. On the contrary, I feel lucky to be a part of the industry when some brave directors are making films that closely reflect real life situations. Please elaborate.Some people criticised the language used in GOW, but the film didn't sensationalise anything, the story required such dialogues for authenticity. Even in a film on college life, we need to use the language that youngsters speak, isn't it? Today, almost every youngster uses the 'F' word. Does it mean you will start criticising the moment a film shows the same? How are you looking at your future projects? I am very excited about Dedh Ishqiya, it will be an awesome sequel! And I think D-Day has been the most challenging role for me so far, as I have done action for the first time and I loved all the stunts!