'Luck By Chance' is the story of my life'

Mumbai, Feb 8 (IANS) The talented young Arjun Mathur who plays Abhimanyu, Farhan Akhtar's committed actor-friend in 'Luck By Chance', says the film is closest to his life as he is also 'struggling but unwilling to compromise'.

'It's the story of my life,' Arjun says speaking on his way back from Los Angeles where he has been shooting for Karan Johar's 'My Name Is Khan'.

'Like Abhimanyu I've been struggling to find a place. Like him I'm not willing to compromise to get ahead.'

The young actor is a Farhan Akhtar protégé. He was seen in two of Farhan and Zoya's short films in Mira Nair's 'Jago' series. In one he played the son of Shabana Azmi and Boman Irani. In the other he was Irrfan Khan's gay lover.

'I've absolutely no qualms in playing gay. It's just a role and it was for a noble cause. Even if I'm offered a homosexual's part in a mainstream film I'd do it provided it's not done stereotypically. In that sense I'm as fearless as my character Abhimanyu in 'Luck By Chance',' Arjun told IANS.

Arjun plays a young student-activist in Karan Johar's film.

'It's an important role. As important as that of Jimmy Sheirgil, who plays Shah Rukh's brother. I instinctively look for roles which take me beyond the expected. More than the audience I want to surprise myself.'

The actor will be next seen as a slumdweller in 'Barah Ana'. To play the role of a Bihari migrant, Arjun actually spent time in the Dharavi slums. Quite the slumdog, though certainly not a millionaire.