Ranjeet

Growing up, I played soccer and wanted to be a sportsman.

TV artistes are far more professional and dedicated compared to film actors.

Since most heroes are doing villainous roles these days, that thrill is lost. Earlier, there used to be a hero, a heroine, a villain and such. The villain's entry would generate a lot of curiosity among the audience back then.

I can say that I have lived very gracefully.

As an actor, I should justify the role given to me. So, as a villain, my job was to make people hate me.

I was recommended for the role in 'Sharmeelee' by Sunil Dutt who admired my performance in 'Sawan Bhadon' and 'Reshma Aur Shera.' 'Sharmeelee' was a movie I did at a time when my career base was just building and back then I never expected it to become such a rage.

We can't make the public vote for a candidate. And I would never want to campaign for any political party.

Because of my negative image, people used to hate me. I remember an incident while shooting for 'Zamaanat.' I was bitten twice by a cobra and the crew went to call a lady doctor whose clinic was close to the sets. She just refused to attend to me!

Sunil Dutt asked me, rather pushed me, to join politics.

I'm a vegetarian but not a pandit.

I wasn't good-looking like the heroes. But I had a good physique having been a goalkeeper. I was like a panther.

I have lived life on my own terms.