Outsiders bring a different passion to cinema: Navdeep Chhabra

Delhi-based Navdeep Chhabra, who idolises the success stories of Bollywood superstars like Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar, says people who hail from a non-film background bring in a "different brand of passion" to the cinema industry as they think from "heart".

"I'm glad to hail from the city great stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar. I've grown up seeing them on screen and it is a dream to work with them," said Navdeep.

"I think what differentiates outsiders from the industry people is that we bring in a different brand of passion, as we have not grown up surrounded by cinema like Mumbai artists. Also, we are guilty of thinking from our heart," Navdeep, who hails from a business family, told IANS.

"Like Shah Rukh and Akshay, I don't have a godfather in this (film) town either. When you are in that position you need to have faith in yourself and your talent, and keep going at it. Failure is not a real option for me," added the 26-year-old, whose debut film "Kuch Kuch Locha Hai" released on Friday.

The film has more emphasis on characters essayed by actors such as Ram Kapoor and Sunny Leone. But Navdeep is not "insecure".

"I am new and still to make a mark in the industry, and Sunny is a very popular actress. So (I knew) the tilt of attention will be in her direction and I am not an unaware, insecure person to let such things bother me," he said.

So, what all has Navdeep learned from his debut film?

"The learning curve was unbelievable. I used to stay back on set even after my part was over. I'm not here to be just an actor but want to be aware of the whole process of filmmaking. One can learn a lot from observing experienced actors working on the set," he said, while also thanking the director for being "like a father".

Navdeep has also already signed two more films -- one with "Jal" fame director Girish Malik and "Kuch Kuch Locha Hai" director Devang Dholakia's "Zoom - Straight to the top".

Asked about his wishlist of directors in B-town, Navdeep said: "I'd love to work for the Bhatt camp and I find Rajkumar Hirani and Zoya Akhtar's work inspirational."

"I'm a young guy and I am aware of the likes of an urban young population. To sign a script, all I need is to be convinced that I would want to go and watch this film myself as audience."