Q: Tell us about your role in "MP3" ("Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar").
A: In the film, I play a 17-year-old college going guy called Rohan. Rohan belongs to a rich family and thus from his childhood he has lived a lavish life and got whatever he wanted.
Thus, he takes everything and everyone around him for granted. Now Rohan falls in love with Hazel, who studies in the same college, but unluckily for Rohan, he even takes her for granted and she leaves him. Only then does he realize the true value of love.
Q: How was it working with Hazel who is a newcomer in films?
A: I'm not new to Hazel since we have worked together in the Pond's Talc advertisement and know each other for quiet sometime now. Thus, there was no problem working with her in the film and we share a good rapport. She is an understanding, co-operative and intelligent girl.
Q: Any other film that you are currently doing?
A: Apart from "MP3", I have also finished shooting for Satish Kaushik's film titled "Tere Sang". This film is expected to release by August. Here too I'm working with a newcomer, but I have been asked not to reveal her identity as of now.
Q: Another chocolate hero is entering the industry. Do you feel you will be able to win over the people's hearts?
A: Somehow, I feel I am a different kind of a hero. I feel that if the people accept the film, then the hero automatically gets acceptance. This is my first film, so I have to wait and watch out for the outcome of the film.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself?
A: I have done my graduation in commerce from NM College in Mumbai. My father was working with Air India, but he has retired now. My mother, Anjana Mumtaaz has worked in films. She has worked as a lead actress opposite Mehmood in films like "Do Phool" and "Mahua". She has also played character roles in quite a few other movies.
Q: So you must have got a lot of support from your mother?
A: No, it was not so. My mother never wanted me to get into acting or films. I was pretty good with studies and so my parents wanted me to study further and do my MBA.
Four years ago, I had received a call from Rajshri Production and they told me that I have all the qualities to become a hero and that I should try my luck in films.
I seriously thought over the matter and after great persuasion, was I allowed to enter films. Before entering film, I had done some theatre. My parents realized that my first love was acting in films, so they were lenient after that.
Q: Who has influenced you most in this industry?
A: I really like Salman and Aamir Khan. It would be Tom Cruise in Hollywood.
Q: Tell us about your likings?
A: I like reading a lot and whenever I find time for myself, I read different kind of books. I also like watching movies. I'm a perfectionist so I like to learn things till the minutest detail, which also includes dancing and acting. - Ranjee Gupta