Having spent two decades in the film industry, Arjun Rampal has had quite the journey. The actor, who was a model before he joined Bollywood, is now planning to write an autobiography to share his experiences with the rest of the world.

“I will definitely [write an autobiography], because there’s so much I have experienced! This industry has given me a lot; it takes a lot as well. I came to an industry... totally an outsider, got a lot of love, went through a phase of complete transition as well,” says Rampal, who has over 40 films to his name.

The 48-year-old started his Hindi film career with Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat in 2001, and over the years, did a large variety of roles on the big screen. Some highlights of his career are Aankhen (2002), Om Shanti Om (2007) where he played the antagonist, and of course Rock On!! (2008), which got him a National Award for Best Supporting Actor.

In fact, Rampal considers the National Award as the highest point in his career. “It came out of the blue,” he shares.

Asked about the lows in his career, the actor says, “The lowest point is when you are looking for work, and you don’t find the kind [of projects] you really want to be a part of. It either doesn’t exist or it is taken away from you. Those low points hit you, you get confused, and confusion, I think, is the worst thing to have. It seeps in levels of insecurities, your confidence goes down, you become uncertain.”

Talking more about how much of a roller coaster ride it has been for him as an actor, Rampal continues, “Everybody joins the industry to become a star, and it looks so glamorous from the outside. You feel this is going to be a great life, but it’s a lot of hard work, sacrifice, commitment and dedication. A lot of getting knocked down, and having the courage to get up again, it has been all of that for me.”

And the tenacity and hard work paid off for him. “I am still here, and in the best zone of my life right now, especially as an actor. For me, my journey was about wanting to be known for my work, and remembered for that. The choices I make now are purely with that in mind,” he concludes.