In conversation with the dashing and talented Siddharth Shukla
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzrdSPTm_2Y
Siddharth's sensual performance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhXwBYXk2Os
Stars ke Bedroom Secrets with Siddharth Shukla | WATCH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bkLoC0XB2M
Handsome Hunk Siddharth Shukla of Balika Vadhu loves home food to know more about his likes and dislikes tune into TellyTalkIndia and do subscribe our channel for more updates.
SBS celebrate Siddharth Shukla's birthday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsC8XPNlhIc
Shiv and Anandi talk about their mothers on Mother's Day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h4XdzPt0-A
Siddharth Shukla & Toral Rajputra of ''Balika Vadhu'' unveils Max Festive collection 2013 Part-2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeUo9x2psuE&list=PL0wRTFfcf1pWbyXpBxjbqfKeV1m2h5UXp
Emcee Kanchi at Max Fashions with Siddharth Shukla and Toral Rasputra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLuHKPWuDIY&index=5&list=PL0wRTFfcf1pWbyXpBxjbqfKeV1m2h5UXp
Balika Vadhu - Anandi and Shiv's Romantic Rain Dance !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJfv01sbXpU
Balika Vadhu - बालिका वधु - 7th October 2014 - Full Episode (HD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P287LzeM588
COLORS is Viacom18’s flagship brand in the entertainment space in India. A combination of ‘emotions’ and ‘variety’, COLORS offers an entire spectrum of emotions to its viewers.
"Palaash proposes to Anandi to become his model for his next portrait with the permission of Shiv. Shiv persuades Anandi who finally agrees to model for Palaash's next painting. Next morning in the school, Gopi takes away the notebook of Dadisa to embarrass her in the class. The teacher comes to Dadisa's desk and asks for the homework, but is scolded by the teacher and who calls her a liar. Dadisa bursts out at the teacher for calling her a liar, and realizing her folly apologizes to the teacher. Meanwhile in the Badi Haveli, Gehana gets tea for Niranjan and seeing him hurry, asks him to get married as he is settled now. Watch the episode and know what happens next.
Shiv from 'Balika Vadhu' shares his workout & fitness tips..!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2p5GzbI66k
SIDDHARTH SHUKLA SHIRTLESS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6RTwonLDDA
'Balika Vadhu :Shiv & Anandi's honeymoon in Kashmir ?!?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNBqZHmms80
Siddharth Shukla
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siddharth_Shukla
Sidharth Shukla (born 12 Decembar 1980) is an Indian actor. He made his debut in 2008 with the role of Shubh in Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na. In 2013, He participated in dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Currently, he is playing Shivraj Anoop Shekhar in Balika Vadhu
Sidharth Shukla
http://www.mancrushes.com/hot-men/sidharth-shukla/is-he-siddharth-married
Smart, Handsome, Hot, Sexy, Dashing, Eligible, Sweet, Cute (Famous from Jaane Pehchaane Se Ye Ajnabbi)
Sidharth Shukla ranks No. 2,545 among the Most Man-Crushed-Upon Celebrity Men, and ranks 4,770th among all celebrities on the Top Celebrity Crushes list.
Sidharth Shukla is straight. He has black hair. Scroll down and check out his athletic body, short and/or medium black hairstyles & haircuts.
http://www.mancrushes.com/hot-men/sidharth-shukla/is-he-siddharth-married#celebs_pics
photos, Sidharth Shukla
https://www.google.hr/search?q=Sidharth+Shukla&client=opera&hs=WZm&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=inWZVPjxAozWPN_xgcAO&ved=0CB4QsAQ&biw=931&bih=600
Siddharth Shukla| Charismatic Good looker
http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3618494&TPN=77
The 10 fittest men on Indian television
http://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/the-10-fittest-men-on-indian-television-n314/
Gone are the days when only models and Bollywood actors had to worry about their physiques. Now even the actors on television have to worry about that sort of thing and we’ve on our hands a lot of drool-worthy guys on the small screen. Here are our top 10:
A very popular character Shiv on Balika Vadhu, Siddharth Shukla loves hitting the gym and follows a strict diet mantra which includes lots of proteins, green veggies and low carbs. He loves his mother’s cooking and apparently can make a mean omelette as well!
Gautam Rode, Karan Wahi, Siddharth Shukla – the hottest bachelors of Tellyland!
http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/gautam-rode-karan-wahi-siddharth-shukla-the-hottest-bachelors-of-tellyland/#!1//
They are charming, suave, have sexy bods and are single – what more can a girl ask for?
Indian television has made way for some of the hottest dudes in the country and boy, are we glad for that.
While many have fallen prey to perks of marriage; there are still some dapper single men in the television industry who are still looking for someone special. Ahem…ahem! BollywoodLife brings you the top five eligible bachelors from tellyland, who make you go weak in the knees. While we are sure, many of you will agree with us, but feel free to add your own list in the comment section.
Siddharth Shukla: The actor can turn you on with his intelligence, his reserved nature and that delectable body of his. Siddharth is not that ‘party all night’ kinda guy, but the brawny dude knows his way with the ladies. He may be a mama’s boy, but he also knows how to keep the womenfolk happy. And we most certainly are not complaining.
Siddharth Shukla debuts as an anchor with Life OK!
http://www.india-forums.com/tellybuzz/news-releases/22584-siddharth-shukla-debuts-as-an-anchor-with-life-ok.htm
…… flagship show that took the movement against crime and injustice to the grassroots has roped in television's popular actor, Sidharth Shukla as the host. The actor will be seen hosting its newest edition named as Savdhaan India - Fight Back Now.
After making a mark in modelling, television and Bollywood, Siddharth now turns to anchoring with this show. He will bring alive the stories of common people who fought against crime.In the past, Savdhaan India had roped in television actors namely Amar Upadhyay, Hiten Tejwani and Pratyusha Banerjee as hosts.
Thrilled about his first venture as a host,Sidharth said, "This is the first time I am hosting and especially a crime reality show. We are familiar with the heroes on screen but little do we know about the real heroes off screen. I feel it is extremely important to make my fellow citizens aware of the real heroes and how they fight against crime. The host of a crime show is the main link between the audience and the story and I am glad I could contribute and be a part of such a show".In addition to this, Savdhaan India adds another feather in its cap by being the fastest Hindi TV show to complete 1000 episodes. The show will also see a change in its content and style of storytelling as it aims to move to the next level with its Fight Back Now' series.
Siddharth dances with Shahrukh Khans daughter Sana Sayed-Jhalak Dikhla Ja Wild Card upcoming episode
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MksaGqFrIr
Siddharth Shukla
'Balika Vadhu' is best thing to happen to me: Siddharth Shukla - See more at: http://www.mid-day.com/articles/balika-vadhu-is-best-thing-to-happen-to-me-siddharth-shukla/15120065#sthash.ktyMOPyX.dpuf
TV actor Siddharth Shukla says that a role in popular show "Balika Vadhu", which recently clocked 1,500 episodes, is the best thing that has happened to him.
"I am really grateful to 'Balika Vadhu' for the recognition I have got because of it. People know me and like me because of it. 'Balika Vadhu' is the best thing to have happened to me," Siddharth said here.
"Balika Vadhu" went on air 2008 with the launch of channel Colors.
Siddharth plays Shivraj Shekhar aka Shiv in the show, which stars Toral Rasputra as the female lead.
The handsome actor salutes the show's writers for managing to keep the audience hooked to it for so long.
"It feels good that our show has completed 1500 episodes. Very few shows reach this milestone. Usually, today when there are so many channels and shows, most of them don't continue for very long," Siddharth said at a celebration party of the show Saturday.
"But if our show has been going on for so long, there is definitely something good in it. I feel good and blessed to be a part of a show that has completed 1500 episodes and is still going strong. Hats off to my writers," he added.
The party was attended by the entire present cast of the show. Actress Neha Marda, who played Gehna till two years back, was also present.
SIDHARTH SHUKLA IS ALL SET TO ROCK THE BIG SCREEN
http://colors.in.com/in/news/sidharth-shukla-is-all-set-to-rock-the-big-screen-1499.html
Colors star Sidharth Shukla aka Shiv, who rose to popularity as an idealistic son and an utterly romantic husband in Balika Vadhu, is all set to make his big screen debut with Dharma Productions upcoming film, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. His onscreen persona is no different from his real life as the coy and modest actor did not leave any chance to acknowledge and owe this opportunity to Colors’ dance reality show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa. “Jhalak has played a big role in this. I was just a contestant and Karan sir noticed me. He thought I was a perfect fit for the character and I got the role. I really owe it to Jhalak,” Sidharth confessed.
Talking about his character in the film he said, “I am playing the character of Angad, a good guy whose goodness turns bad for Humpty in the film.”
Talking about his celluloid experience, Sidharth was all praise for the team. “It was a young and cool team. Varun is two-movies old and Alia is three-movies old. Both have given successful movies and are stars in their own right, but they never made me feel like a newcomer. The team was very energetic and Varun and I used to improvise together,” Sidharth told us.
Sidharth was no less than nostalgic as he shared some memories and moments from the set. “I remember the first day of the shoot; my director Shashank Khaitan gave me a 4 page script and told me that it is going to be a heavy day at work. I replied that in TV we even do 20 pages script in a day. He replied: Hello you TV guys stop looking down on us movie makers!”
Colors wishes Sidharth all the best and a huge box-office success for Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania.
I have not thought of getting married: Siddharth Shukla
http://daily.bhaskar.com/news/ENT-TV-i-have-not-thought-of-getting-married-siddharth-shukla-4651640-PHO.html
Television fame Siddharth Shukla who is making his Bollywood debut with Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhani gets in a candid conversation with Daily Bhaskar.
1.Is Alia Bhatt the kind of girl you want to marry in real life?
In real life,I haven’t thought of getting married to anyone.
2.Did you ever think that you will bag a role in Karan Johar film?
Absolutely not. I have had an idea like that. Right things happened to me at the right time, I was in Jhalak at that time and Karan was looking for an actor,that someone would fit in that character and I was just fortunate to get the role.
3.What is the difference in Television and Bollywood, as you have worked in the both the field?
The difference is like making a royal cuisine and fast food.(laughs)
4.Did you always wanted to start your career with Television?
I always wanted to make my debut with Bollywood, but I realized Bollywood is a big game and it’s a serious business and one can’t get it randomly, I realized I need to pull up my socks and I did not had the money as I had lost my father, I was not able to spend money in acting classes for three hours and then I started getting offers from TV roles and I accepted as I wanted to earn some money.Televison is a good learning ground. I will continue working in TV, also I am not quitting Balika Vadhu.
5.Do you think you got an enough space in the film?
My role is very strong in the film, it’s a good twist in the movie. People will enjoy watching me in the film.
6.Any actress you would want to work with?
I want to work with everyone,Madhuri Dixit has always been my favourite,I gave got an opportunity to dance with her on Jhalak, it was very unreal for me.
7.There were rumours that you have got attitude after doing a Karan Johar film and your throwing tantrums on the sets of Balika Vadhu, how much true is the news?
The actor chuckles( I found it funny, I give 12 hours for Balika,which I think very few actors give, I am always on sets and I give the amount of time they need, people just want talk and keep you down.
8.How much do the rumours affect you?
They don’t affect me at all, these rumours I find it childish and find it funny, these are the perks of the job, I feel weird when people say I have got attitude, but somewhere I also feel good of being important as people like reading about, also I love to read gossips.(smiles)
Who is Siddharth Shukla’s movie partner?
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/Who-is-Siddharth-Shuklas-movie-partner/articleshow/44711434.cms
His busy shooting schedule may leave him with very little free time, but Sidharth Shukla makes it a point to catch up on all the movies. And the only way to do that, he has realised, is by watching them back to back.
Just the other day, we spotted him at a multiplex in Andheri, watching the two big releases of the week, one after the other. What's really sweet is that he had his mother for company at the movies. When asked about this, Sidharth said, "Whenever possible, we go and watch two films, but on this particular day, we saw four — two at home on TV and after that, two in the theatre. Luckily, my mom and I have similar taste in films, so it's always fun."
Siddharth Shukla: There was a time when I really wanted to do films
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Siddharth-Shukla-There-was-a-time-when-I-really-wanted-to-do-films/articleshow/39423707.cms
TV actor Siddharth Shukla, who started his journey in filmdom with a small role in 'Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania', says he didn't wait for the big role because he wanted to strike a right balance between his TV and films.
After several failed attempts, Siddharth finally made it big as Shiv in Colors long running show Balika Vadhu.
"I was happy with what was happening and I was also part of a show, which I didn't want to leave at that point just because I was getting into something else," the 33-year-old said at the launch of the Star Week magazine edition featuring him on the cover.
"I thought I would do injustice to the show that has given me so much. Plus this film needed the right amount of time from me," he added.
There was time when Siddharth wanted to do films, but things didn't work out.
"Films are something that happened by chance. There was a time when I really wanted to do films, but they didn't come my way. I would come close and the next day suddenly I'd realise that I am not a part of the film anymore. So that's how television happened," Siddharth said.
His persistence and hard work got him his big break in a Karan Johar's production venture. He was participating in the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, which was judged by Johar who noticed him and offered him Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania.
"I then realised that I was failing somewhere in acting. It's a serious business and people are investing a lot of money. So I continued with TV and kept working on myself. Then I got this offer and I just went for it," he added.
No girl would want to be in a relationship with me: Siddharth Shukla
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/No-girl-would-want-to-be-in-a-relationship-with-me-Siddharth-Shukla/articleshow/35522060.cms?
This calm and composed actor's strength lies in his his ability to observe life keenly. Surely a charmer with his enviable looks, Siddharth Shukla rose to fame with the character of Shiv in Balika Vadhu is all excited about the release of his debut movie Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. In town on Monday for an event, Siddharth chose to spoke to us on the way to the venue. As we reached the venue, girls were seen swooning over him. Excerpts from a chat:
You have been a frequent visitor to Gujarat. How do you like the state? I enjoy coming to Ahmedabad. The city is really awesome and people here are warm and hospitable. They have the right spirit to enjoy festivity, they know how to enjoy life. And now that we have our prime minister from Gujarat, this state is going to be in focus even more! And about food, I make sure I have a Gujarati thaali when I am in Gujarat.
During your stint in Balika Vadhu, we have heard so many gossips — you and Shashank on cold war over the role shares, you and your co-star Toral Rasputra not on talking terms or gossip about you quitting the show due to career in movies. What's the truth? You know what, although BV has been a great show that happened to me, I think it comes with lots of wrong 'news' put by media. I would say we all are co-stars, we come to the sets, perform our roles and the show's popularity matters! How does it matter whether we talk or not or whose role is important? We collectively are on the set to work towards the success of the show. And I guess, in showbiz, others know more about your likes than what you know of yourself!
Let's talk about Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6, how has it changed you? It is the best thing to have happened to me. In glam world where you are known to the audience by the character you play, Jhalak gave me identity as Siddharth Shukla! Not only that, I was not confident about dancing earlier. Even now I am not someone who will get up and start swaying to the tunes but, now I am confident about dancing to choreographed sequences. And if that's not enough, it introduced me to some wonderful persons like Karan (Johar) sir, Madhuri (Dixit) ma'am and Remo (D'souza) sir.
Talking about movies, how different was the experience? It was amazing. It is relaxed shoot and still an intense work experience. Feels like an art work. I am all happy with the way my character has come up in Humpty Sharma... Waiting for the release of the movie.
So will daily soaps take a backstage now? I have never decided on how to plan my career moves. So ,this is difficult to tell. I am taking up the steps in industry as per the projects I am coming across to.
Tell us about Siddharth in real life... I observe a lot, love to travel as well. When not shooting, I love to catch up on my sleep. I am a morning person and the first task for me in the morning is to hit the gym. Also, I read newspapers and magazines as I love to keep myself informed about the happenings around me. Also what interests me is politics.
How is it that we have never got to know about your love life? That's because I don't have any! Well, let me put it this way — I have had my share of badly managed relationships. But, no girl would want to be in a relationship with me because I have no time to devote to relationship. I am so busy with 12-14 hours of shoot — it gives me no time for anything else. And if I need someone to talk with me, I have my family staying with me so I have never felt lonely or emotionally insecure. I am happily single.
Siddharth Shukla LEAVES BALIKA VADHU! Throws Starry Tantrums!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndmyqSYfNrg
Siddharth Shukla THROWN OUT Of Balika Vadhu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHLvwJ-h1ic
Siddharth Shukla talks about leaving 'Balika Vadhu'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3gIu6Txrzw
Balika Vadhu:Shiv aka Siddharth Shukla thrown out for being Unprofessional
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9klFrnCFu1Q
Siddharth Shukla
http://photogallery.indiatimes.com/fashion/indian-models/siddharth-shukla/articleshow/5749723.cms
A very popular character Shiv on Balika Vadhu, Siddharth Shukla loves hitting the gym and follows a strict diet mantra which includes lots of proteins, green veggies and low carbs. He loves his mother’s cooking and apparently can make a mean omelette as well!
Gautam Rode, Karan Wahi, Siddharth Shukla – the hottest bachelors of Tellyland!
http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/gautam-rode-karan-wahi-siddharth-shukla-the-hottest-bachelors-of-tellyland/#!1//
They are charming, suave, have sexy bods and are single – what more can a girl ask for?
Indian television has made way for some of the hottest dudes in the country and boy, are we glad for that.
While many have fallen prey to perks of marriage; there are still some dapper single men in the television industry who are still looking for someone special. Ahem…ahem! BollywoodLife brings you the top five eligible bachelors from tellyland, who make you go weak in the knees. While we are sure, many of you will agree with us, but feel free to add your own list in the comment section.
Gautam Rode: The man is a perfectionist by nature and loves to follow a regime. He follows a strict diet, which clearly does not include sweets, fats or calories. Well that’s the reason, he confidently flaunts that six pack abs. Gautam is a perfect gentleman. He respects women, opens doors for them and in spite of all that fame and adulation, he is extremely grounded. And let’s not forget…the man is extremely HAWT!
Siddharth Shukla: The actor can turn you on with his intelligence, his reserved nature and that delectable body of his. Siddharth is not that ‘party all night’ kinda guy, but the brawny dude knows his way with the ladies. He may be a mama’s boy, but he also knows how to keep the womenfolk happy. And we most certainly are not complaining.
Karan Wahi: His great sense of humour makes women got crazy for him. In addition to being funny, Karan is smart, cute and brilliantly balances work and play. He keeps the atmosphere on the sets of any show lively and fun. In spite of all the craziness he brings, he makes sure to work equally hard. Karan is a big foodie and believes in eating everything. Nonetheless, after eating all the junk, he spends double the time at the gym. After all, it’s not easy to maintain those six pack abs without sweating it out in the gym, right.
Shaheer Sheikh: The boy next door can melt hearts with his contagious smile. Shaheer is dedicated, hardworking, mischievous and has a heart of gold. A few months back, Shaheer was a lanky fellow, but when he signed Mahabharat - the dishy dude hit the gym. Within a year, Shaheer sported the look of a warrior with muscles and six pack abs. Aren’t you glad, Shaheer is single and ready to mingle…
Karan Kundra: He is the perfect bad-boy that every girl secretly has a crush on. Kundra’s arrogance and I don’t care attitude makes him a hot property. After his break-up with Kritika
Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania - Siddharth Shukla gets Candid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyIE11Yy00g
Siddharth Shukla loves Gujarati thaali
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/gujarati/Siddharth-Shukla-loves-Gujarati-thaali/articleshow/35385079.cms?
As Shiv in Balika Vadhu, Siddharth Shukla is a household name now and is immensely popular. As he was entering Karnavati Club, the venue for Talent Hunt — girls were going crazy trying to get greet him and expecting to click with him. Dressed casually keeping in mind the humid lawns, Siddharth loooked totally cool! This actor is all set to make his debut in B-Town with Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya
Ahmedabad Times asked him about his numerous trips to Ahmedabad in last one year. And he shares, "I enjoy coming to Ahmedabad. The city is really awesome and people here are warm and hospitable. They have the right spirit to enjoy festivity, they know how to enjoy life. And now that we have prime minister from Gujarat, this state is going to be in focus even more!" So what was Siddharth looking forward to at this trip to the city? He shares, "I make sure I have an authentic Gujarati thaali when I am in Ahmedabad. And that's what I am looking forward to tonight after we wrap up the show. I simply love this thaali. It is delicious, simple and a bit sweet which makes it perfect!" We spotted both Siddharth Shukla and Manish Paul enjoying thaali post the event.
Karan Johar is like Narendra Modi in my life: Sidharth Shukla
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Karan-Johar-is-like-Narendra-Modi-in-my-life-Sidharth-Shukla/articleshow/36888125.cms
Sidharth Shukla, 33, is simple, honest, helpful and vain. Extremely popular as the Shiv of Balika Vadhu, he has bagged a three-film contract with Karan Johar and is awaiting the release of his first film 'Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania'. Over an hour-long conversation with Bombay Times, he talks about his godfather Karan Johar, his friend Amit Shirodkar, who changed his life, and why he would do anything in the world for his mother. Excerpts:
How did you get into television?
We are Brahmins originally from Allahabad, but I was born and brought up in Mumbai. My father was a civil engineer employed with the Reserve Bank of India. I thought I was a big waste and would not be able to do anything in life and had no clue what I would do, till I met Amit Shirodkar while giving my tenth board exams. He was sitting next to me and I found him liberally copying from me.
All through the exams he copied and passed and we parted ways. Later, one day, I was passing him on the street and stopped to remind him that I was the guy he had copied from and how he owed his passing to me. We became best friends and for the next three years, my life just revolved around his. His father was an interior designer and he told me, 'Sidharth, you don't feel scared, my father has his interiors business and I am starting interiors, so you just be with me.' I was thrilled. Amit was just 19, when he died all of sudden in a bike accident and I was devastated. The accident happened on a Saturday and he went into coma. On Sunday evening, his mother came to my building running, surprised that I had not come to see Amit in hospital, despite supposedly being with him on the evening when he met with an accident. Amit was a full- on party person, whereas I was considered a seedha boy by his mother who had permitted him to go that night as he said that he was going with me. I rushed to the hospital, but lost Amit the next day.
You might find it uncanny, but recently I was with Aunty (Amit's mother) on Mother's Day and she said to me, 'Sidharth, I never left the side of Amit in hospital so I did not come to your building.' I still can't figure out then how I came to know that day about Amit's accident. Either she has forgotten or I can't understand it. Amit anyways got me into interiors and he would tell me, 'I will do everything. You just sit around.' I, of course, knew that it would be the other way round, where I would be working and he would be chilling. But I miss him a lot. There is a lot in life that I learnt from him. For instance, he would do these small things, like feeding beggars at Haji Ali with the extra money he had. That is something that does not come to a 19- year-old boy on his own without his parents asking him to do so. I learnt how to help other people from him. He was also the one who first took me to a club. It was an afternoon and those days, the clubs would be dark with neon lights. Since it was my first time, I missed seeing the low seating and fell down. After Amit's passing away, I did the interiors course and worked with his father for a couple of years. He was very nice to me and his family till date is my second family. Right from the time I can remember I have been vain, looking at myself in the mirror thinking I was the best thing that had happened. My sisters would always be watching models on TV and I would always want them to someday watch me. I was skinny, so started working out to build my body to become strong. My mom told me, 'Tu itni herogiri karta hai building mein, why don't you participate in this Cuffe Parade fashion contest?' I didn't want to as I didn't want to lose, but still agreed. I did lose the contest, but, surprisingly, got selected for the Pantaloons ad campaign, which was the gratification for winning the contest. I then started modelling and became the first runner-up in a national manhunt contest. I had not taken my mother along as I didn't want her to be disappointed if I lost. I was disheartened that I had not come first, as I desperately wanted to win it. But then I became the first Asian to win the Best Model in the World contest and till date, no one has ever won it. I travelled out of the country for the first time and was a part of many ad commercials, till I got my first break on television.
What led to your transformation from being a wasted person to being so focused?
I lost my father in 2005 just after winning the national manhunt contest. I was just 25 then. Not that I felt any major pressure personally before that, but I suddenly became the man of the house. I had two elder sisters who were married, but did not want to burden my mother. I love her the most in the world. After my father I have become closer to her, as she has had to go through a lot of hard times. He died due to a lung disorder due to smoking and had been ill for the last seven years of his life. But he worked till his last day and I think he was working only because of me, as I was the only unsettled person in the family. I was doing nothing in my life. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do as there was nothing concrete I was doing till then. My dad never had a lot of money, but the best part is that he never made me feel that. In his entire life, I don't think he would have worn clothes including his shoes, for more than `2,000, but if I wanted to wear a jeans for `2,000, he would somehow ensure that I got it without me knowing. I know all that he has done for me. I realise today that I was just living in my own world at that time and was quite oblivious to what he was going through. Being the youngest, I was always protected, so money problems never came to me. It hurts me a lot now, but, at that time, I didn't realise. There was a time when he also had cancer which got cured. But he would get chemo done and come back home by a bus, whereas I would move around in a taxi. We didn't have a car at that time and got one only later when my sisters started working. My father saw my first commercial, but he died after that. I strongly believe that it was his blessings that made me win the Best Model of the World contest. I cry a lot remembering him. I remember when my first print ad appeared, he would keep all the cuttings of the newspaper in his pocket. He used to love watching TV and I know he would have been thrilled to see me as Shiv in Balika Vadhu. After my father, I have done everything I could do for my mother. From being a complete waste, I transformed to being hard-working. My mother is very religious and she wanted to visit all the four dhaams and Mansarovar. I ensured she went everywhere and also went along with her to three of the four dhaams. Of course, she would want me to express my appreciation for her more than I do, but I will do anything to make her happy. From my first earnings, I took her out to dinner. And like all mothers she looked at the rates on the menu and ordered the cheapest item. All my life I had looked at the menu and ordered the most expensive item while growing up. I want the best for her and love her the most in the world.
How did you get a role in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania?
I was on the last season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, where Karan was the judge. He liked me and called me. Karan Johar calling you was a big thing and the first time he called me, I couldn't believe it. He is very grounded and is so real. From the outside when you see him, you feel that he is this huge mountain, but actually he is such a plateau and is so easy to talk to. He has no hangups and he doesn't feel superior in any way. I can have a conversation with him without offending him and can speak anything to him. Karan Johar is like Narendra Modi in my life because I feel ab achche din aane waale hain.