He was the Face of Asia and won accolades for his debut film Champion.

Rahul Dev has been flirting with glamour since he was 21, but still claims to be shy. "I am an introvert. I don't know how far it helps being press-savvy, but I believe that the box office is your ultimate judge and critics should appreciate the end result."

His latest film, Padam Kumar's Supari, released on Friday, June 20. Though the film has not made waves so far at the box office, the performances of the lead actors -- Uday Chopra, Rahul, Purab Kohli, Aakash Saigal, Nandita Das, and Nauheed -- have been appreciated. His next film, Kushan Nandy's 88 Antop Hill, releases this Friday.

Sheetal Seth caught up with the actor for an interview:

How did Supari happen?

When Padam Kumar approached me -- I had already worked with him in Champion -- my decision was very instinctive. I liked the role a lot. I play a postgraduate student who comes from a high-society home, where all his material needs are met, but not his emotional needs. So I am the typical 'starved of love' kind of guy who is looking out for a dream partner.

Padam Kumar is a technically sound director, very contemporary. He presented me in a very good format.

Any memorable incident on the sets?

The last day of our shoot in Toronto. All of us went out dining. Suddenly, Aakash, who was drunk, gave this long speech to Padam: "Let's go back to our motherland. After all, our wives and girlfriends are there. But if you think shooting here is right, no objections! After all, you are the captain here. But I still say the film could have been shot in Mumbai."

I really liked shooting for the climax of the film.

How was it working for 88 Antop Hill?

Kushan Nandy approached me for the role of a cop in this film. This cop is quite in control of every situation he comes across. My looks and dress in this film are very simple and normal. It was a great experience.

How did Footpath happen?

When we were shooting in Muscat for Awara Paagal Deewana, Vikram Bhatt spoke to me about Footpath. When I got back to Mumbai, I confirmed I would play a don in Footpath.

What other films do you have on hand?

I am working in Kyon, directed by Kalpana Lajmi. The film is all about the middle class, which, in some way, is responsible for eroding our value systems. I play the role of a good cop, one who is detested by the other cops.

I am also shooting for Agnipankh, directed by Sanjeev Puri, in which I play a pilot. Most of the film has been shot in Kashmir.

How do you choose your roles?

I believe a lot in instinct. I don't plan. I believe that destiny has a big role to play in everyone's life. As in my case, Champion took two-and-a-half years to get completed.

What expectations do you have from your films?

I hope both audiences and critics receive them well. Even if my film fails at the box office, I would want to be perceived as a good actor.

You are seen as having an action label. Do you feel the need for change?

I don't agree. But yes, for my forthcoming films, I have requested my directors not to make me take off my shirt. I don't want to show my chest anymore in my films just because I have a good, muscular body.

How did you enter the glamour world?

I was partying at a nightclub in Mumbai, celebrating my friend's birthday. Suddenly, someone approached me. Next, I had a two-year contract with Park Avenue and agencies across started getting in touch with me.

How difficult is it to survive in the industry?

Every industry is competitive. But if you work hard, and you have destiny on your side, nothing can go wrong. You have to be obsessive about your work, be the most motivated towards what you do.

I believe no one should get carried away by competition. Films are the medium of a director, not an actor.

Did you always want to be an actor?

I never wanted to act. I never participated in school plays. After I got an engineering degree from Bangalore, I worked with Tetco Overseas, a leather garment export company. Then modelling happened. Films then came my way. I am quite happy about it.

Which of your performances do you like the most?

I think my best performance is yet to come.

I want to take one step at a time and look forward to films which are more performance-oriented.

Do you plan to work in international films?

I do hope something exceptional comes my way. I was offered Mira Nair's Monsoon Wedding, but I could not take it up -- I was shooting for Champion then. I regret losing out an opportunity to work with Mira Nair.