I want to be me, says Sid Mallya

When CS asks Sid Mallya if he has inherited his dad's maverick streak, the young man says, "I don't think I inherited it. I always had it in me." Right now, he has set his sights on Hollywood and is busy with his acting classes in Los Angeles

We catch up for a chat with Sid who's currently in India for a friend's marriage. Excerpts.

Taking the plunge
As I grew up in a British public boarding school, I was always taught to be independent and to do what I thought was right. Moving away from the business felt right for me, and I'm happy with the decision I have made. It's a huge risk to do what I'm doing, but one that excites the hell out of me. After doing an online chat show with cricketers, I hosted a season of the calendar hunt. While doing so, I caught the attention of a few fraternity people who believed that I have the look and appeal to make it in Hollywood as a mainstream actor. That has given me the impetus to get trained in acting classes in LA.

Focussed approach
Right now, I am busy pursuing this dream of acting in Hollywood. I am totally focused on acting and I am no longer associated with my family business. At my acting school, they teach us the various forms of human behaviour as well as enacting various emotions. I am simply loving it. A normal day of my life in LA is pretty hectic as I go for my classes and hit the gym.

Hollywood calling
Initially, the family business was a priority. But there was always a desire to perform in front of the camera. Since a young age, I was passionate about entertaining people, be it in school plays or public speaking. I don't follow Bollywood films much. In Hollywood, my all time favorite film is Gladiator and I admire the work of Robert Downey Jr. I want to work with the best people in business to be the best.

Proud and happy
I am very happy for Deepika (Padukone). I am glad to see that she's receiving the right recognition for her performances and not just for the success of her films. It's all testament to her hard work and dedication.A cause after my heart
I am also associated with a blind school. My desire is to start a charity organisation for blind kids. My heart goes out to them, its commendable how they lead their life without vision. In fact, during the IPL, I took Chris Gayle to meet the blind kids and we really bonded with them and played cricket and football with them.

Living it up
When I was in University, I had put on a lot of weight. AlthoughI played hockey, rugby and tennis, I had a bad diet. Now, I am a stickler for fitness, I do cardio and functional training and payattention to my eating habits. As far as my wardrobe is concerned, I don't go after brands or labels. Contrary to public perception, my schooling and mother's upbringing has kept me prettygrounded. As far as lessons from dad go, I want to be my own person and remembered for being me!