Uday Chopra is biding his time.

He is not worried.

Unlike other newcomers, there is none of that desire to schmooze around with industry biggies, or pounce on any role that comes his way.

That's the advantage of being the son of Yash Chopra and the brother of Aditya Chopra.

For an industry son, his was an unconventional debut. Mohabbatein was not only a multi-starrer, it also launched four artistes besides him.

But then an actor is good only so far as his last film.

What's up with Uday now? Sharmila Taliculam finds out:

What has the response to your role in Mohabbatein been?

Positive, I think. My parents and friends were especially surprised with my performance.

Were you offered a choice between the three characters of Mohabbatein?

Actually, no. Adi (Aditya Chopra) thought I would suit the character of Vicky.

He never offered me a choice, but he did ask me if he were to give me a choice, which would it be.

But he was very sure that he wanted me to play the character of Vicky.

Did you think that your character in Mohabbatein would have more impact, audiencewise, than the other newcomers?

Like I said, I didn't choose my character, Adi wanted me to play Vicky, because I am like him in real life, too.

So to play Vicky, I didn't have to prepare much, just had to be myself.

But I knew that Vicky would be more audience-friendly because he is always in your face, extroverted and lively. The other characters are not.

Also, Vicky is more commercial than the others. That is why I was very excited about playing the character.

Since the film also starred Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, did you ever fear that you might not be noticed?

The fact that I was acting opposite such big stars was a little daunting. Would I or would I not be noticed with all these people around?

For it was their film, too. Probably more their film than mine.

But I did it. As an actor and as a fan, it was great working with them.

I had grown up watching Amitabh Bachchan act. And here I was exchanging dialogues with him. For me, that was a great moment. And it was only the fourth day of the shooting.

Moments like that don't happen often. I just wanted to be associated with them. It was a great privilege, especially for a newcomer.

In retrospect, would you have preferred a solo launch?

Actually, my family asked me the same question. In fact, my first film was supposed to have me as the sole hero -- to be directed by a new director, not Adi.

Then Adi decided to direct Mohabbatein, and he asked me whether I would like to act in it.

He told me it would be an equal role. Nothing more, nothing less. He told me I couldn't sign up for any other film while I was doing Mohabbatein.

I didn't even hesitate. This was what I wanted to do. This was the film. And I never looked back.

How different is Aditya Chopra as a director and as a brother?

Very serious on the sets. He's always pushing you to give your best.

That is very comforting. To know that he won't okay a shot unless he is happy with it. He doesn't have a chalta hai (anything goes) attitude.

So for a newcomer, you have nothing to worry about if you know that he is happy with your shot.

Adi is only one-and-a-half years elder to me, but I've always looked up to him. I have idolised him, because he is such a righteous and a wonderful person.

As a newcomer, what are the advantages and/or disadvantages of having a successful father like Yash Chopra and a brother like Aditya Chopra?

As far as I am concerned, there have only been advantages. Having grown up watching my father direct films and having worked with him and my brother, I know how films are made, how shots are taken.

Also, I am sure that if they plan a film which had a role in it for me, they would offer it to me. And I would do it.

I see no disadvantages.

What made you decide to become an actor?

I have always wanted to act ever since I was a small child. But at that time, it was just an idea.

As I grew older, I realised that there was a stigma attached to the fact that a filmmaker's son wanted to be an actor. "Hero banne nikla hai." (He wants to become a hero?!)

So I kept it to myself. I did not want to voice it out loud because I didn't want people to look askance at me.

So I assisted my father. It was only after Dil To Pagal Hai that I made up my mind to act. That's when I decided to speak to my people.

I didn't want to wait till I hit 50 and then regret that I never fulfilled my desire to act. And that's how it began.

Did you not want to direct, like your father and brother?

Earlier, when people would ask me what I wanted to do, I use to say I wanted to direct.

But my heart was always set on becoming an actor.

What kind of roles are you looking at now?

Whatever excites me. A regular film, an offbeat film, whatever excites me.

I don't want to be a nobody in a film. It's okay if it is not a lead character, but it should be a central character and it should make an impact.

I want to portray myself right and start slow because I think I have pretty unconventional looks.

I want to give people time get used to my face, get used to me. Then I will go on to bigger roles and bring the focus on myself completely.

So how is your career placed?

I have no plans. I have offers, but nothing exciting enough for me to accept.

That doesn't bother me. I know they will come. I am open to any offer that is exciting.

Would that mean you would also just stick to two or three films a year?

At least for the beginning, yes. Once I make a mark for myself and people accept me, I can do more films and go on to carve a complete career.

Right now I have the advantage and opportunity to act just for the pleasure of it. Very few are so fortunate.

Also I have friends like Karan Johar and my own family to guide and advise me. I have everything going for me.

So why not act for pleasure?