His smile is something that immediately makes him the most likeable boy in tinsel town. He captured the hearts of the women folks and also the men (no pun intended) with his impeccable and down-to-earth VJ-ing and acting skills.

He is none other than Purab Kohli, one of the most prominent faces on TV and now in films too. If his well-etched role in Onir's My Brother Nikhil got him accolades by a ton, then, wait for a whirlpool of compliments in the recently released film Rock On.

We caught up with the man who is now being referred as 'Killer Drummer', thanks to his character in Rock On. Over to you Purab!

To start with, are you even aware that girls have forgotten as when they smiled the last time considering the fact that you had vanished away from the scene? Why the long hiatus? What was keeping you busy and occupied?
Ha ha ha...I am sure that people have many reasons to smile beyond me, though I'm glad that I can manage a few. I quit Channel (V) last year, so I have been off air for a while. I have been focusing on the film work that's coming my way.

And topping the list is Rock On, a film that has become the toast of the nation! I couldn't have asked for more!

What was the basic reason that made you sign Rock On?
I heard that Abhishek Kapoor (Gattu) was casting for Rock On. Hence, I called him for an audition. He, then, auditioned me and then, called me two days later and re-auditioned. I guess that he was not too sure the first time around.

To be very honest, I instantly fell in love with the film's storyline, its music and of course my character! Let me also confess that the actor in me could not refuse such a 'once-in-a-lifetime' kind of role! As far me being a 'Rock Star' at heart is concerned, I think that the term 'Rock Star' is used more to derive an attitude as compared to its literal meaning. In that sense, I think all of us are Rock Stars and that we also do have our 'Rock Star' moments!

The look of all the characters in the film is really something to talk about! What all went in the preparation of your look and the character? You also sport a beard.
There was a 'look test' before we started shooting. An excellent team of extremely hard working people were put together by Excel Entertainment.

The 'beard' was something that Abhishek had come up with and the moment we saw it, we were simply game for it! It used to take 20 minutes and a whole of 3 people to get it on and plant it. But, at the end of the day, it really looks like the end result was really worth the time and effort!

You are one helluva' guy who has been equally successful in TV and films. How do you differentiate one medium from the other?
Working in both the mediums have more or less been the same. On TV, one sees you in the frame of 32 inches, whereas in films the same person gets to see you in 70mm! (laughs).

Now that you have quit Channel (V), does it get translated to you bidding adieu to TV forever?
Everyone knows the fact that whatever I am today; I totally owe it to TV. But, with due respects to this fabulous medium, I would also like to tell that it will be a 'No' to TV for a while, since, I now want to focus on some film work. Here, I remember Luke Kenny's famous words "Ek frame ka farak hai! "

How was it working with Farhan Akhtar, Luke Kenny, Prachi Desai, and Shahana Goswami as your co-stars?
I think that the casting of the film is one of the best things about the film. And I am sure that many would simply agree on this. All of us formed such an interesting group in unison!

All of us hail from completely different spaces and the whole film was like different people being put together and made to perform. So being on the sets was quite something in itself. And as co-stars, the whole cast and crew of Rock On were, are and will ever remain true Rock Stars!

How identifiable is your character of Rock On with that of your real life?
Every character that I play has a little of the real-life me and every character leaves a little in me. So, depending on what I enjoy of the character, I unknowingly pick it up!

Was there any reference point for your character in Rock On?
I did watch a few drummers performing but I didn't really base KD on anyone.

Can you recall any of the memorable moments during the shoot of the film?
It has to be the scene that we had shot in Karjat. The scene required all of us to jump in to the lake. It was such a lovely feeling, just lovely. We just kept jumping in the water all day long, feeling like a 15 year old kid all over again!

Farhan and Prachi have sung songs in the film. What about you?
Well, if you see the film, you'll surely realize that I've sung too.

A news article recently reported that your Rock On's co-star Koel Poorie pinched your butts. Is it true?
Slapped was more like it! (laughs)

How was it working with Luke Kenny? Since both of you trace your roots to Channel (V) and a film too, it surely must have been nostalgia time ...
I've not known Luke merely as a VJ. For me, he's always been the brains behind Channel (V)'s programming. He had even directed me in a film 3-4 yrs ago (13th Floor). Overall, it was really wonderful to have him on the film as a co-star.

Don't you feel that for girls, it's the Miss India pageants while for the guys it's VJ-ing that forms as easiest way to get into Bollywood, (with the latest one being Neil Bhoopalan). What say?
I don't think you can really put it down that way. Mahima (Chaudhary) used to be a VJ, and then, John happens to be a Gladrags winner! So it's really contradicting the question itself. The fact remains that many of us try and cross over. And one just can't really put a tag to it.

Which are the real-life rock bands that you look up to?
Well, I am not really aiming to be a musician. So, I don't look up to any band or musicians. But, I do enjoy music and some of my favourite bands are U2, Radiohead and Indian Ocean. I've also been enjoying Shair and Funk! I was introduced to them and Radiohead through the making Rock On and you can even see them performing in the final concert.

What are your forthcoming projects?
I have a really good film called Rectangular Love Story coming up, that's directed by the very talented Rajat Kapoor. As for the rest, I will 'unveil' as and when the time is right! Till then, Live Your Dream and yes...Rock On!