You've been missing from TV for nearly eight months? I'd been working long hours for the past three years. I needed a break before tak- ing up a new show. I took time off to med- itate, sing and practise yoga. Has it been a period of introspection? It's been a bit of everything. Last year wasn't very good for me. There was a crisis situation. It started off with the Nandini (Singh) fiasco, then I wasn't happy about the way Kesar was shaping up. Some false prom- ises were made to me. I was stabbed in the back. I don't wish to name anyone, but yes today I know who my true friends are. What's different about your character in Kasturi? For the first time, I will be essaying an absolute negative character. This guy is like a chameleon, who plays different games with everyone. I'm also a Casanova surrounded by women all the time. I'm happy that he's also called Nikkhil. I take it as a compliment that Balaji Telefilms has offered me a negative char- acter after my string of positive roles with them. I've been given a super look, too. That's in complete contrast to my earlier roles. Weren't you offered any other show during this period? I was offered many shows but I was wait- ing for the best. Kaajjal, Paraya Dhan and Vaidehi were some of the shows I was considered for. I chose Kasturi because it was replacing Kaun Banega Crorepati. It's on Star Plus and it's from the Balaji stable. I guess I made the right decision since none of the other shows offered to me are doing well. There were reports about you being sacked from Kesar? If I were sacked from Kesar, why would Balaji offer me a cameo in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahi Thi and now a lead role in their new show Kasturi? There is absolutely no animosity between Ektaa Kapoor and me. Some of the employees at Balaji maligned me by giving false news to some tabloids. Are you being considered for any other Balaji show? Well, I was offered Ektaa's show to be made in Dubai. But then I'd have lost out on Kasturi. Any special woman in your life? Right now, it's just work, work and only work. There's no woman in my life. Is there a man? (Laughs) No, no. I'm straight. You were quite friendly with Karishma Tanna. Were you in love? We were close friends but now we aren't even in touch. We're both very busy in our own lives. Exchanging CDs and DVDs doesn't count as being close friends.
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