It has happened many a times where I have taken a project and wasn't happy about it.

I want to stay rooted forever.

After passing out of the National School of Drama, I spent many years doing small-time roles in Bollywood.

I just don't play a character for the heck of it. Rather, I always look for a human element in every character that I play.

I am in awe of Rajinikanth. He is a great star, yet so easy-going and grounded.

The very fact that people make an effort to search and know more about me is a testament that I am doing my job well.

I make sure I say something important without being preachy through all my performances.

'Stree' is an entertaining film, but it has strong commentary about women.

Across the world, wherever good art has been created, that society has been in crisis.

The connect that I have with the audience comes from my hard work and sincerity towards my craft and also because of the opportunities that I have had. I have been able to engage with my audiences. They observe my performances minutely. They think I will do some magic on screen. They like me because I don't do over-the-top acting.

I try to pick the best from what is offered to me, and then with roles, also, I try to add something new. There is a constant conflict to not become repetitive.

I do not count how many films or series I am doing in a year.

I am constantly working.

I've never had any difficulty sharing the screen with any actor. For me, roles are challenging, not co-stars.

I didn't have any high aspirations. I just went to Mumbai to get a job after I married Mridula. I thought if I didn't earn, my wife will criticise me.

Acting happened to me by chance. Even I'm surprised how a man from a small village, Belsand, in Gopalganj district has reached Bollywood.

It feels amazing to know that the whole country thought my role in 'Newton' was one of my best, and to win the Special Mention Award at the highest film award in India is just exhilarating.

A good content always allows me to reach the depth of the characters, and thus, the performance looks more relatable and truthful.

I have fun doing lighter roles, as I don't have to do anything against my emotions.

We have freedom to experiment as an artiste - unlike lead heroes.

Big films help your reach a wider audience, and doing independent films keeps your artistic side happy.

I had done plays, and Hindi theatre pays peanuts.

Right after watching 'Kabul Express,' I wanted to work with Kabir sir. Moreover, earlier he was a documentary maker, and the respective genre has always fascinated me, and I still desire to work in one.

I prefer comedy, as I have to act while playing a gangster. I have to put in a lot of effort to turn into a gangster, as I am not like that in real life. In comedy, one doesn't have to take up such stress.