After a series of appearances as side characters and cameos in the Balaji camp, Karan Patel has finally managed to grab the lead role in Star Plus' new serial Kasturi. Although Karan says that his patience has finally been rewarded, he keeps his fingers crossed and refuses to talk about his future prospects in the camp. We spoke to him about the new serial, his experiences and future plans. Here is the excerpt.

Q: Finally you have got a lead role? Are you happy?
A: Yeah, it feels great.

Q: How did Kasturi happen to you?
A: Nothing special, I was in the Balaji camp for a long time now and thus I did not have to appear for any kind of screen test.

Q: What is you character like?
A: My character is called Robby Sabharwal, who is a famous rock singer and thinks he is the best. In fact, he is the best and is also arrogant. He always likes to be in the company of people.

Q: Can you relate any of your characters with Karan?
A: Yes, Robby is very much like me when it comes to being in the company of people, I too really do not like to stay alone.

Q: Are you happy with the kind of roles that you have been offered?
A: Yes, I'm happy and what else can I ask for. I have been with Balaji for around long three years and have done a lot of serials. But now the patience has been paid back and I have grabbed the lead role.

Q: Tell us something about your journey in Balaji.
A: I started in Balaji with Kahani..., then was Kesar, Kasauti., Kkvayanjali and lots of other serials. I tell you once the actors become a part of Balaji, they are a pat of the family and the amount of attention and pampering that they get is something any actor can only crave for.

I guess, there is no other production house, which pampers its actors to this extend. That is why every actor wants to associate with the name Balaji.

Q: So, tell us do you find any difference in Balaji in the past three years?
A: Yes, there have been a lot of differences in the Balaji camp since the time I joined. Today, Balaji has become more competitive as more and more actors are joining it. But this change is for the better. Actors now put in more efforts in their performances.

Q: Who are you good friend with in Balaji?
A: Hiten (Tejwani), Yash (Tonk) and myself are very good friends and always hang out together. We are like the three musketeers of Balaji (laughs).

Q: How did you get into acting? Was it planned?
A: I always wanted to become an actor and I'm happy that I finally become one.

Q: Had you taken any formal training in acting?
A: No, I have not taken a formal training as such, but I have attended Shaimak Dawars dancing classes and done a bit of theatre.

Q: Are you looking forward to a career in films too? Is anything in the offering?
A: Yes, I am looking forward to a career in films, but nothing has come up so far. I wish the producers took a look at me (laughs)

Q: You seem to be becoming the eye-candy of Balaji.
A: I don't think I should speak on speculations. Let my work speak for me. - (SAMPURN)