I am inching my way to success: Ashmit Patel

Mumbai, Aug 22 (IANS) He may not be the most sought after actor in Bollywood but Ashmit, better known as Amisha Patel's brother, is confident that the day is not far off when his career will hit big time.

Right now he is geared up for his next release "Dil Diya Hai" in which he plays a negative role, reports Bollywood Trade.

"It is a role with grey shades. I play a London-based nightclub owner who indulges in shady and underhand dealings. I am looking forward to it because I am working with my director friend Aaditya Datt for the first time. I was supposed to work in his first film 'Aashiq Banaya Aapne' but couldn't do it due to some last-minute problems. We worked as assistants in Vishesh Films."

Ashmit doesn't feel threatened by Emraan's presence in "Dil Diya Hai". Both of them were seen together in "Murder".

"I don't deny that Emraan ended up being the focus of attention in 'Murder' but that's not his doing. It has been proved in the past that the actor who has the best songs in the film invariably ends up getting all the appreciation. Emraan has been lucky with the best songs in all his films.

"In 'Dil Diya Hai' too he has been lucky with the songs but I have the title track, apart from an item number with Udita. Songs apart, there is no question of either of us overshadowing each other. The two of us are friends and we share an excellent rapport on and off screen."

Ashmit feels that his career is moving slowly and steadily.

"I admit I started off on a slow note. It wasn't a meteoric rise to success unlike some of my other contemporaries but I am gradually inching my way to success. It is a gradual rise and I am honing my skills with each film.

"Let's not forget the fact that I don't hail from a film family nor do I have a godfather to promote my career. The only people I know are close friends and pals from the industry who stood by me when I have been through bad times.

Ashmit, who played Urmila Matondkar's love interest in "Banaras - A Mystic Love Story", was deeply influenced by his character in the film.

"I was a bit disappointed when 'Banaras' did not get a big draw at the box-office but irrespective of the film's success, it proved to be a turning point in my life.

"'Banaras' brought about a deep transformation in me on the personal front. I always knew that I had spiritual leanings and the film triggered off a new process of introspection. It also gave me a certain creative high that I had never experienced before."

Ashmit is least bothered about his image of a party-going, reckless and wild actor, who indulges in fights at the slightest provocation.

"Nothing could be further from the truth. I guess I acquired that image after a few incidents that were misrepresented by media. Moreover, the image I have acquired is probably an extension of the roles I play on screen. I have not gone out of my way to project the other side because it doesn't really make a difference as long as my family knows the kind of person I am.

"I have done my share of partying no doubt but the fact is that I am a home bird, who likes to stay close to my family all the time. My family leanings are very strong.

Ashmit misses his sister Amisha, who is living separately these days.

"Amisha is my dearest sister and will continue to be one, even though she has opted out of the family and chosen a separate life. My sister's estrangement is working against me, but that hasn't really affected my feelings for her. I know the day is not too far when she'll re-unite with the family."

Ashmit is very close to Salman and Sohail Khan.

"Salman is a buddy and one who stood by me when I was in the pits. I met Salman when I was about to enter filmdom. I used to work out with him and Sohail. He never looked down upon me. On the contrary, the two of them took time out to train me. We have been friends and have shared close family ties over the years.

"In fact, this year I got my raakhi tied from Salman's sister, Alvira. Both Salman and Sohail are very special friends to me and I can never forget the way they have stood by me all these years. In fact, that's one of the reasons, why I was also there in 'Fight Club'."

His next film is Soumitra Ranade's "Friends Forever", schedule for December release.

"I have a very interesting role in it. There's also a romantic comedy that's complete and awaiting release. I think I am going on the right track. From a young, brooding husband in 'Murder' to a deep thinker in 'Banaras', a mean guy in 'Fight Club' and a nightclub owner in 'Dil Diya Hai', I am experimenting with diverse roles. If luck permits, there'll be more in the offing."

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