Sidharth Malhotra on his birthday celebrations and his films

By Devansh Patel -

January 16, 2013 - 11:14 AM IST

My Twitter was on the verge of crashing, thanks to all the Sidharth Malhotra fans wishing him on my handle. But such is the hysteria of this young debutant whose second movie Hasee Toh Phasee with Parineeti Chopra has just been announced. Today, the actor is fresh from an all-too-rare debut movie and an even rare accolades and nominations coming his way. As a one-film-old actor, Sid proved that he was effortless, not the one to try too hard. You just never see those gears turning, and there's never a moment of starry scene-grabbing. When I last met him at Dharma Productions office, he was a bundle of energy, so lively, engaging and warmly hilarious, that when the PR woman walks in, and tells you to wrap it up, you have the urge to grab Sid and escape out the back door, down to the pub for a pint of beer and a good gossip. I wish I could do that a few hours before his birthday. But hey, who knows you might just spot us grabbing our good ol' beer down the street. Presenting you an exclusive interview with Sidharth Malhotra on his birthday.

Sidharth Malhotra on his birthday celebrations and his films

And here's wishing the dashing actor a very happy birthday. May you and your movies live long my friend!

What's that feeling like when suddenly you're rubbing shoulders with the who's who of Bollywood in award functions?

It's a token of appreciation. I've seen these actors since I was a teenager. It's a remarkable feeling, something that I'll cherish for the rest of my life. I am not a big fan of award functions but I am looking forward to the Filmfare awards. As for work, I want to keep doing good work. When people recall your scenes and remember your debut movie, there's nothing more rewarding than that. For the long run, that's what matters.

Many congratulations on your second big announcement with Dharma & Phantom coming together and you and Parineeti.

Thank you so much! Well, Anurag Kashyap had written a script. He is a cool guy. I've met him a couple of times and interestingly, Karan told me all about the adverts he had shot so far. Hasee Toh Phasee was an interesting read. I guess now the actual struggle begins! And look at this, the title of such kind after my first film (laughs). The title of the film came much later though. Everything is different about this film - its genre, the people I am working with, the actress, the world I'll be living in, etc. The first film chooses you but today I am proud that I chose my second film. It's a love story of a different kind. I won't romance the same way, I can tell you that (laughs). We start shooting end of April.

Forget movies, how about growing old with age?

(Laughs) Nicely put. Thank you for the compliment. I am not in Delhi. I will be in Mumbai for my birthday and yes, missing my family back there but I will bring in with a quiet dinner with my close friends. I am happy that I am working on my birthday.

It's your 28th birthday. But recall your most unforgettable one.

That's a tough one. I think the first birthday I had in college was the most unforgettable one. I had served alcohol to my friends on my terrace. I was eighteen then. I had called girls from different colleges (laughs). It was amazing. All my friends were invited. Parents knew about it but I was pretending to be a grown up. I don't drink but that time we only had Bacardi and a few other spirits. It was a memorable night.

Actors are better known for their versatility. Do you think you will prove just that after Hasee Toh Phasee?

After Hasee Toh Phasee, there is something that I intend to do. There is something I am considering but it's too early for an announcement. It will happen soon. It's an angry action guy image. My debut film wasn't a solo hero project. We all shared. So I cannot take full credit for my debut film. You have to give it to Varun. We do not want to become clones of our own characters. So from here on, we don't want to get type cast and do something new each time. My third film will be announced this year.

I should say this - You have some crazy loving fans on Twitter. How's the Twitter world treating you?

Twitter is like a different family all together. Two weeks ago I gave them an address. Now, I keep getting these beautiful gifts every second or third day. Someone's giving me a card, girls giving me t-shirts, fans from Bangladesh and all over are sending in their love. It's so thoughtful of them. I love them all. I get excited and humbled. As we speak, I have one more gift next to me. Thanks to that social medium. I wish I was a more regular at tweeting but I will get there soon. It takes time.