Sandeep Baswana was last in news when he quit Kyunki...and Kkoi Dil Mein Hai..and he made headlines recently when he resumed work as 'Saahil' on the Star Plus primetime show. Here he bares his heart out to Prashant Golecha clarifying there was never a fallout between him and Ekta.

On himself and his career journey
I am a simple person who leads a simple life. I was born in Haryana and I have been brought up in North India. I came to Bombay with the ambition to become a director. I did few ad campaigns for products like Kwality walls, L.G. colour TV, Britannia Chai biscuit and that boosted my confidence. Then I thought of using acting as a platform for the same. I have been in Bombay since last six years. I started my acting career with Balaji show Kuchh Jhuki Si Palkein for Sony followed by Kamal and Kyunki saas bhi Kabhi Bahu thi.

On leaving Kyunki.. and Koi Dil Mein Hain
After working for three and a half years on television I was exhausted. I was shooting for Kyunki… and Koi Dil Mein hain simultaneously. I worked in Koi Dil Mein hai for nearly ten months. I had a little problem with executive producer at that time. I was shooting day and night. I was the main lead in Koi Dil mein hai. It wasn’t professional on my part to leave the shows but I needed the break. I wasn’t also physically well as I had a muscle spasm problem. I didn’t have any fall out with Ekta Kapoor.

On being back in Balaji and Kkavyanjali
I was approached to play 'Shloak' in Kaavyanjali and I agreed. I am the only real son of Amrita Singh playing Nitya in the show. Balaji had a problem with the guy who was playing “Saahil” so I was roped in back.

On being Saahil again
I had played Saahil for two years previously so I knew my character. The Kyunki star cast is very professional. All are talented. Atmosphere is buddy buddy types. There are only three male character Karan, Gomzi and Mihir besides mine. I relate to Sahil of present times more than the one I played previously. Saahil now is very human. For him to err is human. The drama and intensity in the character makes it special. Few characters have died and few new have come.

Fitness Mantra
I don’t have time to go to gym. I do skipping. I do stretching and push-ups when I get time. I drink a lot of milk at least two litres a day and like a typical North Indian love desi ghee and ghar ka Khanna. I am more of a vegetarian. At home non-veg is not cooked.

Personal life
I am single but not ready to mingle. There is no time for personal life. I am absolutely focused on work. At this stage my professional life is my personal life. I am working day and night.

Friends in the industry
Shabir Ahluwalia who has worked with me in Kyunki...for some time is the only family I have in Bombay. He is like my brother.

On Astrology and Numerology
They are entertaining to me. I live one day at a time and don’t follow anything.

On Balaji Telefilms and Ekta Kapoor
After films Balaji production house is the best. For actors it is a paradise. Actors are paid on time and are pampered. I have a professional relationship with Ekta Kapoor. I keep bumping her into parties. Ekta is accessible if I need I can call her up. She sometimes visits sets also.

Best and worst thing about entertainment industry
Best thing is work is entertainment and it pays well. The worst thing is mediocrity, which needs t obe worked upon.

Future Plans
I want to direct films. Initially I don’t intend to act in the films I make. I am very clear about my ambitions.

Pics by Satej Shinde