How were you in your paanchvi class?

I was very naughty but every time I got caught I used to flash my dimples. My teachers used to call me a devil’s mind. I was good in both studies and sports. The best part was I could learn everything in a very short time. We were a group of five friends who were into all sorts of mischievous activities.
I remember once my friends getting suspended as a result of one of our antics, luckily I did not bear the brunt as I was absent that day. The next day they asked me to join them in the Principal’s office to ask for forgiveness. Post the incident we became so friendly with the teachers and the Principal that my friends started telling them all my secrets. They soon realised that I was the actual culprit of most of the crimes for which some innocent chap was penalised.

How important is education for you?

Education is very important and especially in today’s time as there is so much of competition and pressure on our kids. There is a pressure of securing the first rank in class; one has to secure 90% to get admission in a good college. I want kids to say that they love going to school. I believe with Paanchvi Paas, we are stepping in the right direction. Along with adding my value as a star it will make education fun. I would love to go to every school and teach kids in the same manner by making studies fun. I strongly feel that all the schools must adopt the Paanchvi Paas way to teach kids.

What was your first salary?

My first salary was Rs.50 which I got as playing a role in Ghulam Ali’s show in Delhi’s Sriram Auditorium. I remember buying a train ticket to Agra from that money to see the Taj Mahal with my friends.

With Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar taking on the same time-slot with different game shows, do you fear competition?

You tell me do I have a competition? Look into my eyes and tell me if you think that I have any competition. On a serious note, I truly believe I have competition. Because competing with someone results in restricting yourself. You reach a dead end once you surpass him, without realising the fact that there are thousands who are more talented and efficient than your sole competitor. I try competing with myself. Every morning I get up trying to surpass what I had achieved till last night. I run like a horse with blinkers and then I don’t fear if I am running alone or I am the last one in the race.

What do you think about the reality shows on TV?

Oh! I think they are done to death now. You see the same age- old concepts running everywhere. One would make some Ustaads singing on one channel and then there will be a whole Khandaan singing on another channel. If one has started the concept of making all brothers sing on a show then another will come with all sisters competing on some different channel in the same time-slot. Luckily, I am not a part of TV as a producer. Let’s lose, let’s make a flop show but at least try making new things.

People say that 2007 has been the best year for you?

I don’t believe in this ideology. On the contrary I think of the next year as my best year. I just believe in working harder.

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