No dil ka connections for Neil Mukesh

As he turns 26, Neil Nitin Mukesh talks to Princy Jain about his naughty streak, his female fan following and his birthday plans.

As he turns 26, Neil Nitin Mukesh talks to Princy Jain about his naughty streak

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What enticed you to make your debut with such a

hatke

character like Johnny?

Since I come from the family of singers, I wanted everyone to have a clarity about my acting skills. Johnny G (

Gaddar

), gave me that opportunity I was never apprehensive about the character.

You acted as a child artist in Yash Raj Films

Vijay

and attended acting workshops at Anupam Kher's institute...

I have very fond memories of working with Yash uncle in

Vijay

. He would give me a chocolate after every shot. I also worked as an assistant director with him and Adi

bhaiya

for three years.

Besides learning the technicalities of filmmaking, the biggest thing I learned is to be a fine human being. In between, I went to Anupam sir's institute. I had Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan as my mates. There were almost nine-years elder to me, so I used to be pampered like a little kid.

Did you ever think that being the grandson of the legendary singer Mukesh would make your Bollywood entry easy?

No. Never, thanks to the kind of upbringing I've been given. My father had never made us - my sister, my younger brother and me - realise that we come from a filmy family. Today, also, I am very much a family boy.

But girls prefer bad boys. And you've seen it for yourself in Johnny...

Yeah... (laughs) and that's the magic of acting. I do have that naughty streak in me. And I am told that by many girls.

So are you enjoying the new found female following?

Sort of. It feels nice to be recognised in a public place. Recently, I was dinning with my brother-in-law and there came a bunch of girls, who were just not willing to go away.

Is your Delhi-based girlfriend aware of it?

My dear, I don't have any girlfriend in in Delhi. I do have my family in your city, both from maternal and paternal sides whom I visit at least twice a year. But no

dil ka

connections.

You've being shot for four calendars, including Subi Samuel's and Daboo Ratnani's. What do you think is you asset in terms of your looks?

My expressions. Subi wanted very mean and smug.

Johnny G

kind of look, while Daboo chose Bond..James Bond

What next?

I've finished Sudhir Mishra's

Tera Kya Hoga Johnny

. Next is a film with Eros. I've also signed three more films, which I can't talk about now.

Birthday Bums:

First thing I will do today:

Seek my grandmother's blessings.

Birthday fantasy:

A room full of flowers with gifts beneath each of bouquet

Ideal birthday date:

A simpla girL who can make my day