From an advertising agency to being a popular face on TV, Aditya Deshmukh’s journey has been an interesting one. A chat with the actor:

Tell us something about your childhood and family.

I was born and brought up in Mumbai, and, thus, I stay with my family. My father is a retired GST Commissioner and currently handles GST cases because he is also an advocate at the High Court. I have an elder brother and our mother is a homemaker.

When did you discover the actor within you?

Since my childhood, I wanted to be an actor but my family never took that seriously. The first time I saw the performance of Heath Ledger as a Joker in the Dark Knight, I was very impressed. Since that day, I wanted to become an actor.

Have you undergone any training in acting?

After I finished MBA, the very next day I enrolled myself for an acting course. Before that, I had started working as a marketing head for an advertising agency. I chose acting because that gives me satisfaction.

Ziddi Dil is your 25th show; how do you feel?

This is the silver jubilee show of my life and is very special. This is a great milestone for me —25 shows in eight years!

What do you love to do when you are not shooting?

When I am not shooting, I hit the gym. I watch movies in theatre or on Netflix or Amazon Prime. Most of the time, I rest because I get lesser holidays.

How do you maintain such a good and fit body?

I just maintain one rule – not to have something unhealthy on the sets. I eat salad. I have a sweet tooth, but I am going to leave that very soon.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

When I am working, I am very happy! My grandfather used to tell me that a busy person is always respected. If you just sit idle, you start doubting yourself and lose focus. For me, perfect happiness is when I am working and enjoying with the team.

Who is your inspiration in life?

My father is my biggest inspiration in life. There are many things that I still learn from him.