His second film Wajah Tum Ho (WTH), hap pens to be cut from the same cloth as his Bollywood debut, Khamoshiyan. However, that doesn't bother actor Gurmeet Choudhary, who believes that he can't be confined to any particular genre. From mythological soaps to masala films, he's at home everywhere. As television's Lord Ram gears up for yet another bold outing, BT caught up with him for a quick chat about his journey so far - in real and on reel. Excerpts...

This is your second film in the erotic genre. Do you worry that you will be offered a similar genre repeatedly?
If the film had been just about sex, I wouldn't have done it. I have been part of thrillers with erotic songs. So, I don't mind if they slot WTH in the erotic genre. Typecast hone ke liye bhi aukaat chahiye. If I am typecast, it means that I am doing a swell job in that genre. Many people crave for that. Also, I know how to break away from a mould just like I did after playing Lord Ram. People would touch my feet and make offerings, but I went on to play intense characters after that. If that couldn't stop me, nothing else can. I am getting offers, which are not erotic. It has to register first that an actor is hero material; then, work follows.

Among the people who switched from TV to big screen, Sushant Singh Rajput has done well for himself. The others have bagged roles mostly in the horror-erotic genres, not leaving much of a mark...
I know Sushant because of Ankita (Lokhande, Sushant's ex-girlfriend). He did a great job in his last film and I congratulated him. I appreciate jab aap zero se hero bante ho. Having said that, I can't copy him and follow his path. Mujhe lakeer ka fakeer nahi banna. My path is different from that of my contemporaries. I would also like to take up diverse projects, but that doesn't mean that I won't work if I am not getting the kind of roles I desire. Aisa na ho ki time hi nikal jaaye. A hit film is more important than the genre.

After a two-hero project (Khamoshiyan), your new film has three heroes. Shouldn't you have waited for a solo-hero movie?
We can't judge one's talent by the number of scenes in a film. A great actor can leave viewers spellbound in just one scene. And then, there are people who can't do justice to even a full-length role. In this film, every character is pivotal. Also, there is a lot at stake in a solo-hero project. God forbid if the film flops, I will have to shoulder the entire responsibility even if I have acted brilliantly. Of course, if there is a solo-hero project I can do justice to, I will take it up.

Many faces are launched every Friday. Does that mean more pressure for actors like you?
Whenever a new face is launched, I work extra hours at the gym, and learn a few more gymnastic moves and stunts (laughs). In hindsight, I also feel motivated to work harder and learn from their strengths.

Recently, social media was abuzz with talks about your kissing scenes in WTH. Some even compared you to Emraan Hashmi...
I am glad people are talking about my bold sequences. Koi bhi mare hue kutte ko laat nahi maarta hai. We have achieved what we wanted, which was to create a buzz around the film. People might throng theatres believing this is just an erotic thriller, but they will walk out praising the content. Talking about the comparisons to Emraan, I am not competing with him and don't aspire for his serial kisser tag. I am trying to create my own space and style.

Is it true that Debina (his wife) was upset with your intimate scenes in WTH? There were even rumours that you guys had a huge showdown during your trip to Sri Lanka?
It feels nice to be written about, but sometimes, small things are blown out of proportion. Though Debina and I are accustomed to such rumours, our families get affected. She knows that I am just playing a character. We have our share of fights like any other couple, but ours get highlighted as we are actors. I am prepared for worse stories in the future (laughs!).

How easy is it for you to get intimate with a co-actor?
I dread retakes while shooting for such scenes. My only concern is that it shouldn't look vulgar. I would have opted out of the film if it hadn't looked classy. I am extremely shy. I didn't even confess love to Debina before marriage. One night, while talking to her on the phone, she finally asked me if I wanted to tell her that I love her and I replied that's exactly what I wanted to tell her.

Your father is a retired Army officer. How much did he support you in your aspirations?
I come from a small village in Bihar, where there wasn't even proper power supply. My parents didn't support me at all. They wanted me to become a doctor or an engineer, but I made it clear that I wanted to be an actor. My father didn't have money to support my endeavours, so it was friends who helped me with money, food and clothing. I haven't forgotten my days of struggle. There was a time when I shared a small room with 15 boys. There was so little space that if I wanted to turn over while sleeping, I had to inform others. I still visit those places. Earlier, producers and directors would bow down to the whims and fancies of an actor, but not anymore. You won't get a second chance if you are not disciplined and diligent. Given my army background, discipline has been ingrained in me. I always reach before time for the shoot.