He might have started his acting career with a hit film, Student Of The Year (2012), but it’s only now that Sidharth Malhotra has started truly enjoying the adulation.
And though he shares plenty about his professional life, we haven’t heard much about his love life. In a candid chat, we get him to talk about dating, his latest success, his association with Salman Khan and competition with his contemporaries, among other things.
Your contemporaries keep making news for alleged link-ups. Now that you are a successful young star, do you feel you are ready to get into a relationship?
To each his own. For me, the priority is my work and the kind of projects I do. Maybe I haven’t had the chance for a potential relationship. But it’s not like I don’t have my share of dating and going out and experimenting. Right now, my priority is to create a place for myself in the industry. In the past, I have got flak from women I’ve dated for opting to go to the gym over going out with them (laughs). So as and when I am ready to announce something officially, I will.
So, you admit that you have been in relationships?
Of course. I think we are all entitled to them. I am a growing up boy, who is staying alone in Mumbai (smiles). So, we all have our share of friendships and equations.
How was it having Salman Khan visit your home?
It was very cool. On Saturday, at the last minute, while I was inviting the cast and crew, I got a call from Salman sir and he congratulated me for the film. I said, ‘Sir, if you are free, please drop by.’ He said, ‘No, I have to get up early’. But half an hour later, he landed up. I think he is all heart. Also, he gave me a cool watch. I will cherish it.
Salman said that ‘you didn’t get credit for your first film…’
I got a lot of love from younger viewers for Student of The Year (2012). But I had so much to prove, because maybe, I am from outside (the industry) and some people said, ‘Does he deserve this launch? How has he made it?’ Now, maybe, I can answer non-believers.
Among newcomers, your film has seen the highest opening. Does that give you confidence?
Of course. It’s a reflection of the fact that people were so keen to see the film. You feel good that more numbers (earnings) mean people are accepting your film. (If my film) does more business, I get more eyeballs, so I have probably reached out to more people. It feels good to win the numbers game (smiles).
Are you in touch with Shah Rukh Khan (he produced SOTY)?
We don’t meet regularly. There’s not that rishta (equation) with him. We last met and spoke briefly on Karan’s (Johar) birthday. He is way too senior so, no, I haven’t spoken to him recently.
Your new projects seem exciting.
I am training and gaining some weight for Karan Malhotra’s Warrior (2011) remake. Every boy wants to play a fighter, and I get to play one. Vikramaditya Motwane’s next is sort of a prequel to a superhero film. So next year, I will be playing a superhero and a fighter. It’s exciting.
Salman said that ‘you didn’t get credit for your first film…’
I got a lot of love from younger viewers for Student of The Year (2012). But I had so much to prove, because maybe, I am from outside (the industry) and some people said, ‘Does he deserve this launch? How has he made it?’ Now, maybe, I can answer non-believers.
Among newcomers, your film has seen the highest opening. Does that give you confidence?
Of course. It’s a reflection of the fact that people were so keen to see the film. You feel good that more numbers (earnings) mean people are accepting your film. (If my film) does more business, I get more eyeballs, so I have probably reached out to more people. It feels good to win the numbers game (smiles).
Are you in touch with Shah Rukh Khan (he produced SOTY)?
We don’t meet regularly. There’s not that rishta (equation) with him. We last met and spoke briefly on Karan’s (Johar) birthday. He is way too senior so, no, I haven’t spoken to him recently.
Your new projects seem exciting.
I am training and gaining some weight for Karan Malhotra’s Warrior (2011) remake. Every boy wants to play a fighter, and I get to play one. Vikramaditya Motwane’s next is sort of a prequel to a superhero film. So next year, I will be playing a superhero and a fighter. It’s exciting.