Pratik Dixit needs no introduction in the ad world. But these days, the model-turned-actor is busy shooting for a film on terrorism produced by Anoop Jalota. The What's Your Rashee boy tells Sreya Basu that he is eyeing leads in Hindi films now.

What brought you to the glam world?
Right from my school days, when I acted in school plays, I had a positive inclination towards acting. In order to become an actor, I came to Mumbai.

Tell us something about your school and college life?
I was born and brought up in Delhi. I went to St Xavier's school and later did my BCom from Sri Venketswara College. In school and college, I was a reasonably good student. I also participated in extra curricular activities including participating in plays and music.

Having done over 65 commercials, which one did you enjoy most shooting and why?
I enjoyed all my commercials because through each and every one of them, I learnt something. I enjoyed shooting my Asian paint commercial most because in this commercial I had to display a number of different emotions.

I also loved the ones I did with Amitabh Bachchan (Dabur honey), Shah Rukh Khan (Dish TV), Rani Mukherjee (Good Nite coil), Priety Zinta (TVS Scooty) and Kareena Kapoor (Himani Boroplus).

How did movies happen?
I was one of the Top 5 finalists at Grasim Mr India contest 2004. I also won the title for Best Body Male. Thereafter, I started concentrating in modeling.

During my career as a commercial model, I thought that I would be better able to express my acting skills as a movie actor. I kept contacting filmmakers till Ashutosh Gowarikar gave me my first break in the film What's Your Rashee where I shared screen with Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja.

I have also done a small role in Ranbir Kapoor starrer Bachna Ae Haseeno. Iwas second lead in recently released Sayali Bhagat starrer film Impatient Vivek.

We mainly saw you playing second fiddles/cameos in the films you have done so far. Do you think it's difficult for an actor sans godfather make it to stardom in Bollywood?
Acting career is like a ladder. In order to reach the top one has to move step by step. Even without a god father one can move ahead, though it is a bit more difficult but rewarding as well because one moves ahead only on the basis of merit.

What are the projects keeping you busy these days?
These days I am shooting for Maqsad produced by Anoop Jalota (singer). The director is Mr Farookh and my co-actors in the film are Mithun Chakraborty, Om Puri and Zareena Wahab. It'ss a film based on terrorism and I play a young romantic newly-married lead.

There is a very good-looking new girl Kaifeena opposite me. We have a beautiful song picturised on us and many romantic scenes, including our honeymoon and marriage sequences. I will also be seen in few more films this year.

What kind of roles are you looking at?
I am basically eyeing leads and parallel roles with a strong script. I'm in constant touch with some of the leading filmmakers who have personally seen my showreel.

Who is your inspiration in the glam world?
I'm inspired by a number of good actors like Sanjeev Kumar, Guru Dutt, Rajesh Khanna and Dev Anand. From everyone of them, I learn something or the other.

What do you do when not shooting?
When I'm not shooting, I try to learn and sharpen my acting skills, watch films, and meet people.

Are you single?
Yes. I'm single but yet not looking for anyone because I am concentrating on my career.

How do you see yourself five years from now?
I hope I'll make advancement in my acting career and looking forward to make a mark in the tinsel world.