MUMBAI: As he comes to the city, the young actor gets candid about his recent breakup with actress Kangna Ranaut, his career and more in a chat with NT.

This is your first trip to Nagpur. Do you have any preconceived notions about the city?

No, I am coming here with an unbiased mind. Honestly speaking I don't know much about Nagpur other than the fact that you get the best oranges here. I would really love to discover the place and know the people because my father always tells me that he has had some great shows here!

You recently said that you didn't want to be a failure. How did this fear find place in your heart in the first place?

Ever since I made a debut with Haal-e-dil, there was a lot of talk in the media about me and my relationship with Kangna. Interestingly, she was always focussed on her work, whereas a lot of filmmakers said that I was too engrossed in love. One fine day I realised that I can't afford to be a loser. If you are successful, the world laughs with you, but when you are down, you are all by yourself!

Is it tough being Shekhar Suman's son?

It's a great honour being Shekhar Suman's son. He's such a versatile actor and despite several ups and downs, he has made people laugh on screen. He's television's superstar, who calls shots even at this age. Yes, people expect a lot from his son, but it's my duty to live up to those expectations.

You, Mimoh, Prateik Babbar and Neil Nitin Mukesh are all contemporaries. But, who do you think is the most talented in this lot?

I think Neil is the best! He has the right combination of great looks and fine acting acumen.

Your dad can't stop raving about his co-star Rekha till date. Who do you rave about?

(Guffaws) ... If dad does gaga over Rekha, I am fida over Priyanka Chopra.

You were always quite open about your relationship with Kangna and you never badmouthed her even though she went public after the breakup. So, what was that one quality that attracted you to her in the first place?

It was her level-headedness! She always gave first preference to her career, whereas I immersed myself completely in love! But, love was secondary for her. Anyways, I learnt my lesson and I never repeat my mistakes!

Now that you are completely focussed on your work, does it mean you will not go for those all-consuming relationships?

Whether it's my work or relationship, it has to be very intense. I can't do things half-heartedly. That's why I have decided not to get into a relationship as I want to focus all my energies on my work.

Tell us about your forthcoming projects

One of my films has just been released. Then there's another one with dad. I have another film with Mahesh Bhatt and a couple of them will be announced after a week.