I did not become an actor to earn money - that I could have done it in my village by becoming a farmer. I wanted to show my craft, which I am so passionate about.
Anurag Kashyap is someone whose projects I can take without even hearing the story.
It was Sultan Qureshi, the character of 'Gangs of Wasseypur,' which brought success as a baddie, but it were the TC and teacher's roles in 'Masaan' and 'Nil Battey Sannata' that broke the villain's mould and helped me successfully explore the other shades - be it comedy, intense, or serious - surprising the audience all the time.
I think reading and travelling not only make us good artistes but also broaden our horizons and open our mind. It really helps us to become a good human being.
An actor must read a lot. Books not only make one a good actor but also a better human being.
In life, we have two segments: arts and science. We need science to make our lives easier. But what do we live for? We enjoy life through arts. So it's an artistes duty to question the wrongs happening in the society.
People can forget your name, but if you excel at what you do, at least someone will remember you.
One mistake and all this attention may just disappear one fine day. So I prefer to remain grounded.
When a man is extremely lonely, he starts discovering himself.
We used to live in a rented house in Mumbai, and now we live in our own house. That, for me, is success.
Cinema is not just a medium of entertainment. Yes, it should entertain, but cinema is made to convey a message, to say something.
I had never imagined that after coming to Mumbai that, as an actor, my dates would be booked in six-eight months in advance.
Whatever changes a common man wants to bring in the country, he can bring it through the process of voting.
I didn't get much time in between wrapping up 'Shakeela' and commence the shoot for 'Kaagaz.' With whatever time I had on my hands, I did my best to look the part. Instead of hitting the gym, I took up an organic approach to lose weight. I also cut down on oily and junk food and had small meals in between shoots.
Survival is important, art is secondary. If you aren't alive, how can you create art?
I have nothing against smaller roles; they made me what I am today. But, progression is the way of life.
My wife used to work as a teacher and support me, and now I can do something for her, which is very satisfying for me.
I used to work in a hotel kitchen at night and do theatre in the morning. After finishing my night shift - I did it for two years - I used to come back and sleep for five hours and then do theatre from 2-7 P.M. and then again hotel work from 11-7 in the morning.
I admire many actors, including Amitabh Bacchhan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Irfan Khan, and many more.
Failures don't bother me much, nor do I let success go to my head.
