Arjun Mathur

Of course, bring a straight man, it is intimidating to kiss another man.

All these years, and even as a teenager growing up in a time when a lot of socio-political changes were taking place, I always thought it was imperative to have one's voice be heard.

I got hate for 'The Accidental Prime Minister' and I hate myself for doing that.

I don't think Sidharth Malhotra is a good actor.

Life is the greatest teacher for acting.

I'm attracted to work that will reach a wider audience than just the Indian masses.

By nature, I am not comfortable singing and dancing around trees.

Films are not my bread and butter. I do ads. I've survived through ads.

It takes a lot of courage to invest in new talent.

I don't come from a film background, and I didn't employ any gimmicks or tactics to gain audience appreciation.

I don't want to do anything that I would watch later and be like, 'Oh God! What was I doing?'

Acting was in my mind since I was 10 years old. It's just that for a long time it was a hidden ambition.

I did 'My Name Is Khan' and 'My Friend Pinto,' and I wasn't happy with where they were trying to slot me. So I decided to focus on films that were giving me more to do.

I have always spoken for what I have believed in and since now we have a platform where it can be amplified, I will continue to take a stand and voice my concerns.

So many men have proposed to me, not in person, but on Instagram.

There is a lot of speculation about whether I am gay or straight. People actually ask my friends.

Right at the beginning of my career, I did a couple of short films which were based on a social cause.

I started acting since 2007 and it has not been easy.

I started in 2002 as an assistant director. The first few years were like my education and it has been a priceless experience getting to watch some amazing actors at their work and has helped in forming my own work style.

As for actors, I would say if you believe in yourself and if you feel that you have something special in you that you would like to share with the world, then you must go for it. But at the same time be prepared for a lot of hurdles because there are no road maps here.

I don't want to stand on the sidelines, I have faith in myself, but when you find roles being written to launch a star son, it's frustrating.

My primary intention is to put myself in characters that would take me to new places and keep myself satisfied.

Honestly, I believe everything is cyclical.

I have always believed in the slow and steady journey, a long journey.

When things are not going according to plan, you show off, it's natural.

I realised if mainstream Bollywood won't give me chance, then let me figure out a different way to operate.

As long as I stay on top of my fitness routine, that really keeps me mentally stable.

I like to put out things that need to be spoken about.

When I got an offer for 'Fireflies,' I told the director that I was recovering at home in Delhi, so I couldn't do it. But the next year, 2012, was one of my best career years with five projects I loved.

I was once even told by a producer that I couldn't be part of his film because I was better than the protagonist. I said, 'fair enough, I'll take that talent and move on.'

I saw lesser actors bag roles I wanted really badly.

I was not happy with being typecast as the best friend.

At the end I'm just an actor waiting to be cast, and it's for filmmakers to decide if they want to work with me.

I hope content keeps getting better and holds more weight and power over stars and everything else.

The advent of streaming world made many things possible.

Cinema is as credible as TV, as credible a projector, as credible as a streaming platform or for that matter even a stage, and some performance on the road. It's just a way of telling a story.

I've played lead in some, supporting parts in others and did some international and independent work too.

I wanted to connect to audiences' intelligence, focused on being a dependable actor and not a star.

Bollywood's space is reserved for star kids and what not.

After 'Made in Heaven,' I have been receiving messages of all kinds from downright dirty to appreciative to 'marry me.'

Delhi honestly every time I come back is a changed place.

Our school being in Chanakyapuri, which is a beautiful area, had all the embassies and was very green.

I was in St Columba's School only till IV std. After that I moved to Mumbai with my family.

Earlier, people used to just recognise me a little bit and say 'I feel I've met you somewhere' or 'Are you that guy who comes in... ' and then they won't remember the name.

I did not receive validation on home turf for years, but I am happier to receive it worldwide.

Often, we seek validation by way of the number of social media followers we have, or by bagging a big-budget Bollywood movie. But the world is bigger than that.

Only for 3D movies, I would go to a multiplex to watch a movie, otherwise, I wouldn't.

It's sad to see when people don't take a stand, just because they might lose followers, or a business deal.

I understand the repercussions my actions might have.

Marriage and weddings are two different things. A marriage can exist between two people without a wedding. I don't understand why the law needs to get in the way of love.