Being an actor is no mean feat, especially when you decide to brave the odds of the glamour world all by yourself. In PeepingMoon's latest series, titled Stars Unplugged, popular actors and actresses will talk about their experiences of making it big, gaining popularity with their body of work and the challenges they faced on their way to success.

The seventh episode of Stars Unplugged features Aly Goni. The handsome Jammu boy came to the City Of Dreams with the hope and passion to become 'famous'. With hard work, talent and determination, Aly, in just a decade, established himself as the most desirable actor of the current lot. Talking to PeepingMoon, the actor spoke about dealing with completing 10 years in the entertainment industry, dealing with initial rejections and his Bollywood plans. 

Excerpts from the interview:

You completed 10 years in the industry. How has the journey been?

It’s been a fantastic journey, just like a roller coaster ride. I saw the highs and the lows too in these 10 years. The industry gave me a lot of experience in a short span of time. 10 saal kaha nikal gaye pata hi nahi chala. 

When did you decide to become an actor?

Being an actor was a childhood dream. 

Did you expect such immense popularity in just 10 years?

I never knew that I'll be popular but yes, I always wanted to be famous. To achieve that goal, I worked really hard. 

From Jammu to Mumbai's Film City, what were the difficulties you faced without a Godfather in the industry?

Like most actors struggle to make it big, even I had a tough time establishing myself. Initially, people would say, "Fit nahi ho," "bohot zyada gore ho," "bohot chhote dikhte ho," etc. Actors these days have it relatively easy because they became famous through social media. Tab actors aise nahi survive karte hai. We earned our bread and butter after knocking on the doors of production houses with our portfolios. 

When we were struggling to make it big, tab humara ghar bhi nahi tha. We would stay with a friend and monetary problems bhi thi. Itna easy nahi tha. Ab toh social media ke through logon ko kaam milta hai aur casting bhi hoti hai. Hum jab ghar se nikle toh portfolio dikhana padta tha aur kaam maangna padta tha. Struggle term ka joh meaning hai, voh humne experience kiya hai.     

So, how did you deal with rejections?

See, I have always dealt with problems with a smile. Jab bhi reject hota tha, I would say, “It’s ok, no problem. Thank you. Next time, I’ll do better.” I would keep trying and never thought, “Mera selection kyun nahi hua,” “Mujhe vapas jaana chahiye.” When I decided to come to Mumbai for work, my father said, "Beta gaye ho toh kuch karke aana.” I would always identify my mistakes and work on them. After every rejection, I would always take feedback from the casting team.

Did the industry shape you up as a person?

Yes, it definitely did. I started modelling when I was 17-18 years old. I spent my teenage and adulthood in the industry and saw my growth and journey over the years.  

There’s constant discrimination between TV actors and film actors....

I don't see that happening anymore. There are several TV actors who are doing some amazing work in films. Shah Rukh Khan and Sushant Singh Rajput gave a boost; now actors like Mrunal Thakur are doing so well. The situation is now changing for good. 

After TV and web, is Bollywood your next goal?

Inshallah yes. We always wish to take one step ahead in our careers. I did TV and then a small but good role in Zidd and now, I am getting some good offers. I have been waiting for such opportunities for several years now. There are people who are waiting to watch me on television and are questioning my absence but for good things, you have to wait.

In fact, I am turning down TV offers almost every single day. I feel guilty while doing that but I wish to take a step ahead and try something new. TV toh apna ghar hi hai, jab chahe tab aa sakta hu. Saying no is difficult but I have worked hard for something good. I am just waiting for things to kickstart so that I share the good news with my fans. 

Rumours are rife that you are signing a Bollywood film. Is it true?

(Laughs) I cannot comment on that right now. Let's wait and watch!