With his sharp features, intense gaze and deep baritone, Arjun Rampal is easily one of the most handsome men in Bollywood. However, there's much more to him than just his drop-dead good looks. A successful model, an award-winning actor and an established entrepreneur, the man wears diverse hats with aplomb. However, it hasn't been an easy journey for the father of two as his career has been chequered with hits and misses. From being dismissed as a nonactor to bagging the National Award, the 43-year-old has come a long way. As he gears up for his forthcoming film Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh, the actor talks to BT about how he strives to play layered characters and his equation with his daughters - Mahikaa and Myra.

Unlike many actors, you don't promote yourself enough. Can one afford to be laidback in today's times?
I am not laidback; a laidback person is someone who doesn't care. 'Trying to be in news' doesn't work for me. I will be seen when I want to be seen. I am a purist at heart who likes his privacy and space. That's the reason why I'm not out there.Also, when you talk of marketing yourself, you create an illusion and then start believing it. That's scary because that's not you.

Talking about your roles, do you ever think that you got a raw deal, given the potential you have as an actor?
No. I am grateful to be in a situation where I can say 'no' to a lot of scripts that come to me. It is about the choices you make. It would be terrible if I were doing the films today which I have done in the past just to make sure that I'm able to run the house and educate my children. After spending 15 years in the industry, now people offer me the most complex, layered character in a story. They know I will not do it otherwise.

Have your good looks restricted the kind of roles that you have been offered?
I've played so many different characters. If someone says, “That's it, he is good looking,“ it's not a compliment for me. I don't work with people who are restricted in their thinking. I want people to engage in my films.

Has the 15-year experience of working in this industry changed you?
Your experiences in life teach you what is real and what's fake. To be able to draw that line in our industry is not easy as it gets blurred.

Were you apprehensive before taking up Kahaani 2, since it's predominantly a Vidya Balan film?
For me, the script is the hero. I've always chosen films for their content. It's about how I am going to be different in this film for it to be worth my while.Whatever happens at the box office is not in my control but I should be able to enjoy my character. I play a cop here and let me clarify - this film has nothing to do with Kahaani (2012). This is not a sequel, it's a franchise as we have retained the same title and stuck to the same genre.

Many actors mull over the duration of their presence in the trailer or the film's poster. Does it bother you?
You could be on a great looking poster but in a really s*** film! I don't get insecure about these things. I think I am smart to choose the best role in a film.

Vidya said in an interview that she loves your infectious smile. What do you like about her the most?
My smile? She must have said my laugh. I like Vidya because she is a baby at heart. I am one too, and when we get together, we laugh and play pranks. She is supremely talented and makes her co-actors feel comfortable.

Writer-director Sujoy Ghosh is brutally honest, isn't he?
I have known him for long. He is a mad hatter. He thinks he has got this great sense of humour but when it comes to cracking good jokes, he fails miserably. He is not critical but he ensures that you cannot give a bad shot.

Do you think true friendship exists in Bollywood?
Sure. There are real friends. This is a generous and close-knit industry. All are like-minded people. But this is also a place where if you are a person who is very giving, you often end up giving too much. Sometimes, you have to take a step back and refuel yourself.

Are you a protective father who keeps a close watch on his daughters?
My girls have been brought up well and most importantly, they are like my buddies. We hang out together and have a blast. Both of them have a good sense of humour and share wonderful stories with me. I think this new generation is very different from what we used to be as kids. Our parents would tell us to get home before sunset. Now, you want your kids to go out of the house because they are just sit ting around, glued to their smartphones all day. That worries me a bit. I make sure that my daughters indulge in out door activities. They are extremely responsible, too. They don't play Holi or burst crackers during Diwali because they feel they would be wasting water and polluting the environment. And they are just 13 and 11 years old! It's quite commendable to think like that when you are so young.

Do you see either of them acting in films someday?
I'm quite sure that my younger daughter, Myra, will get into films as she is a nautanki. I don't know who she has taken after (laughs). She has a mind of her own. My elder daughter is shy. She reminds me of myself.

Do they also feel that you are one of the best looking men in Bollywood?
Of course they do (laughs). Well, I have never been obsessive about my fitness but I am particular about it. I make sure I keep myself healthy by eating right and working out regular ly. I love to travel, play sport and go hiking. I enjoy going on adventures and exploring things. I think the more you go out in nature, it takes care of you.

Last year has been quite tumultuous for you, given the rumours surrounding your marriage.
I have nothing to discuss on that.

Were you irked by the reports?
I have not been irked by any thing at all. I just recognised the truth and reality of the situation. It's all about sensational headlines now.

Do you think demonetization will affect Kahaani 2's box office prospects?
People want to go and watch movies but they want to prioritise their life right now. I don't think cinema features in those priorities. At least, that's what it seems from the box-office reports of all the movies that have released after demonetization.