Money doesn't excite me: Sushant Singh Rajput

Mumbai, Aug 22 (IANS) Actor Sushant Singh Rajput, a small town boy from Patna, is getting plum projects in tinsel town. But he says that for him, money is only a means to survival. Beyond a point, it doesn't excite him.

"The kind of production houses that I am working with, I can go around and do films and ask for a whole lot of money, but that's not the reason I am here for as money doesn't excite me," Sushant told IANS.

"This is not the reason why I want to be in this industry. I need money just for survival and it doesn't excite me after a certain point and the same is with fame," he added.

The 27-year-old, who made his Bollywood debut with "Kai Po Che!" earlier this year, will next be seen in Yash Raj Films' "Shuddh Desi Romance", and he is also a part of Rajkumar Hirani's "P.K.".

Sushant admits that he refused certain projects as he felt he couldn't contribute anything to them.

"I've said no to four-five films. If I think I don't fit there or contribute to the film, I say no. Most of the projects for me have to do with realistic films, and as an actor, the first step is to convince myself. If I can connect with it, I can convince myself, then I say yes to it," he said.

In "Shuddh Desi Romance", which also stars Parineeti Chopra and Vaani Kapoor, the actor has locked lips with his lady love.

But, he says, his lady love TV actress Ankita Lokhande does not feel insecure if he has such bold scenes on screen as she is a thorough professional.

"We all are professional and so is Ankita, so she doesn't mind me going bold. We have to make up our mind. So as long as it's justified and working for you as an actor, it's fine. In the realistic space, such things happen so I am okay with it," he said.

Sushant, who acted in TV shows like "Pavitra Rishta" and "Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil" before making a foray into films, has no interest in working with actors who lack passion.

"I don't want to work with actors who are not passionate about their work. I can't work with them. I would rate myself 10 on 10 for being passionate. But acting wise, I rate myself three or four. I still have a long way to go as an actor," he said.

As he started out as a TV actor, he is happy with the kind of change that the TV content is going through. He also doesn't mind returning to his roots.

"The kind of change is coming on TV... the kind of seasons they are coming up with instead of leaps, I am happy with the change. It's a very powerful medium. I am open to everything and why not? I may be seen on TV also," he said.

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Shuddh Desi Romance