I have both joyful and heartbreaking moments in life, even now. Stardom doesn't give us everything.

I'm self-taught. Even today, on the sets, I probe the lightmen, the stunt artistes... they are from a period I've not seen; I can visualise it through them.

When an actor decides to play a character, he must exude some sort of charisma and look relatable, even if he is playing the role of a really unattractive person.

I came to cinema for money. I had to settle a loan of Rs 10 lakh. I had no other go, so I thought I'd try my luck in films. I was earning Rs 25,000 at that time. It was not even enough for my family.

My safety and my family's safety are not guaranteed even now.

The day I became a hero, my dream was realised. Everything else is a bonus.