The unorthodox role he has chosen to debut with makes Neil Mukesh one of the most talked about star kids this year.

The grandson of legendary singer Mukesh and son of singer Nitin Mukesh, does not play a lover boy in Johnny Gaddar, which releases this week. Rather, his character has grey shades.

Excerpts:

Why acting and not singing?
A singer's son or grandson need not be a singer. I've always been fortunate that my father never said, "Your grandfather was a singer and so am I and you should also be one." He always respected my decisions. He is rather happy that I am into acting.

Did you ever think of trying your luck in singing?
I never wanted to be a singer though I've trained in Hindustani classical from Jagannath Mishra, who was also my father and grandfather's guru. I have performed with my father in several concerts.

So acting was always your first choice.
Yes, from the time I can remember. I've acted in Yash Chopra's Vijay as a child actor and after a few years, played the child Govinda in Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni.

You have chosen a different role to debut with. Please elaborate on the role.
I could have always played a lover boy but I wanted to get noticed. I want people to remember me as someone who can act and is not just a chocolate boy . 

I play Johnny in the film. It focuses on the growing aspirations of today's young men. My character's name is Vikram and I play the youngest in a group of five. I am aggressive and want to make it fast and take risks.

That's how your character develops grey shades…
The credit goes to director Sriram Raghavan. He has given me a complete makeover. He did the same with Saif Ali Khan in Ek Hasina Thi.

Even before the release of your first film you have been signed by Adlabs for three films.
Johnny Gaddar is the first .. the two projects are yet to be decided.

You have started shooting for Sudhir Mishra's film.
Yes, it's called Tera Kya Hoga Johnny but it's not a sequel. It's about a man who arrives in Mumbai with dreams. It also stars Soha Ali Khan.