Indiaglitz chats with Kabir Duhan Singh, Tollywood's new handsome baddie, about his journey into showbiz, shooting for debut film and fitness mantra.

Your debut film Jil made you a star overnight!

No! For me it's like switch on and off. It was a big don character and the makers have given me the best gift. I was preparing myself for the last two years and waiting for a good opportunity for a role like Chota Nayak' (in Jil). I'm still getting messages for my portrayal as a baddie in the film. I thank the audience for loving me so much. My FaceBook fan page is filled with hundreds of likes and messages appreciating my performance.

How did you prepare for the showbiz entry?

I've been training in action, watching films and reading books. Chota Nayak' is such an intense character (like Dawood Ibrahim) that if he raises his eye…that's enough. I met director Radhakrishna sir, six months back before the film went on to the floors and he told me how and what should I do to get into the skin of the character. So when I see myself on-screen, I feel like saying wow'.

How did you come into showbiz?

I hail from Faridabad, a small town near Delhi and I studied Material Management from Delhi University. I always wanted to try for a career in modeling because of my height and looks, and off-course acting is the natural progression. I modeled for seven years and walked for good designers and was the face of several brands. I always wanted to start my acting career from South and one day, I got a call for Gopichand's film and I was on board.

Any specific reason why you want to debut in South?

I think they (South) respect your talent. If you give 100%, they encourage you to give more. Also, people in South are humble, down to earth and organized. If the shot is at 7 O clock, it'll start on time. For me, respect matters, money comes later.

Do you think audience perception towards villains has changed?

I think so (laughs)! Like I told you, I'm still getting messages saying that they found a new hero after Jil – handsome don like me. They are growing beard, making a collage and sending me. I'm still working hard and I want to give my best for every film. When people walk out of the theater, I want them to remember me for my portrayal.

Aren't baddies upping the glam quotient in films' these days?

Yeah, its' changed. No Dhotis, lungis, gold chain, big eyes, etc (smiles). I think the audience will love my role in Kick 2 as well. Of-course, villains role should be parallel to the protagonist.

We heard that you are going to New York University to peruse acting?

I'm planning to go, if I get time I'll go for three months. I want to polish my acting skills. I've signed a few films after Jil, so I need to plan accordingly.

What's your fitness mantra?

I wake up at 8 O clock. I don't smoke or drink. I do Yoga and indulge in healthy food (proteins) and drink lots of water and workout. I'm a fitness freak and my day will not be complete without gym. If you are fit, then you are a hit. If baddies are good looking and have a good body, then the impact looks different on screen.

Will you continue to do modeling?

Well, I haven't been modeling from the last one year – ever since I started to work for Jil. While working for my debut film, I started working for Kick 2, and then Chalaki, Sundarpandian Telugu remake, and I will start shooting for another film. So there's no time for modeling and busy and I'm happy with what I'm getting every day.

We heard that you carry your fitness equipment to the sets?

Yes! I do that, if I'm shooting outdoors and don't have time to work out, I carry basic equipment with me and fix it somewhere on the sets and start doing it (laughs). It just makes me feel happy and my day is complete.

Anything interesting happening in other industries

Yes, I'm doing Ajith's film in Tamil and I shall soon begin shooting for it. I'm also getting a few Bollywood offers but I'm looking for the right script and director where I have good scope to perform and prove myself.