Aditya Bal is the new kid-on-the-block. With a seven-year long career in modelling, Bal is here to find a place among the gamut of Bollywood wannabes. He makes his debut with "Mashooka", a Time Magnetics presentation, produced and directed by Afzal Ahmad. Incidentally, Bal is the nephew of famed Indian designer Rohit Bal.

Bal's modelling career took off with a modelling assignment for Indian designer Ashish Soni. And noteworthy assignments for Maruti, Liberty and Levi's Jeans followed. Having rubbed shoulders with the likes of Dino Morea, John Abraham and Arjun Rampal on the ramp, it was the success of these model-turned actors that beckoned Bal to Bollywood.

Excited about his well-etched-out role in this romantic thriller, and praising his director Afzal Ahmad, Bal said this was just the kind of opportunity he was looking for.

Having bagged another project, "Rangeen", to be directed by Rajesh Ram Singh, Bal stresses that he has never taken acting classes. "Life is one's best teacher," he believes. And it is under the baton of Ram Gopal Varma that Bal would like to showcase his acting prowess.

So long, Bal. The journey has just begun.

Here are excerpts from an interview.

Q: What pulled you towards the glitzy glamour world?
A: I had come to Delhi for higher studies. And while in college, designer Ashish Soni gave me a modelling offer. That's how it started. Soon after, I got assignments for Maruti, Liberty and Levi's Jeans. And I didn't look back.

Q: What about the foray in films?
A: I had worked with model-turned-actors John Abraham, Dino Morea, and Arjun Rampal. Their success encouraged me to dabble in Bollywood. When I came to Mumbai, I got this offer to act in "Mashooka". It was just what I was looking for.

Q: "Mashooka" means 'lady love'. So, is this movie another love triangle?
A: "Mashooka" is a romantic thriller. I play Vicky, who indulges in a one-night-stand with Sanjana (Meghna Naidu) after loosing his first love Monika (Vidya Malvade). But when Monika comes back in Vicky's life, he dumps Sanjana, who turns revengeful.

Q: Afzal Ahmad is a well-known ad film director. Did you get to work with him as a model?
A: No, unfortunately not. I've worked with him for "Mashooka" only, and it's been quite an experience.

Q: Are you happy with the way your role has shaped up?
A: Most certainly. It was a very challenging role. I hope I get noticed for this role, for I want to work under the direction of Ram Gopal Varma.

Q: What after "Mashooka"?
A: I'm shooting for another movie - "Rangeen" - directed by Rajesh Ram Singh. I play a happy-go-lucky guy in it. It's a fun character.

Q: How different is modelling from acting?
A: Oh, there's a lot of difference in both the media. In modelling, it is your personality that counts, while in acting, you've to get into the skin of your character. That way, acting is more challenging.

Q: Did you take any acting classes?
A: Life is one's best teacher. One learns to act through the experiences of one's life. So, acting comes from within, and cannot be taught in a school.