I don’t read stuff about myself, says Sidharth Malhotra

Sidharth Malhotra has been linked to Alia Bhatt ever since they made their debut in Student Of The Year (2012). While the two have chosen to stay mum about their equation, they’re both spotted taking vacations, at parties and social do’s. Of late, he has also been linked to Reload co-start Jacqueline Fernadez. But Sidharth says that he isn’t aware of what gets written about him because he consciously chooses not to read anything at all.

The 32-year-old says that his equations with his friends remains unchanged, despite what is written about them. “I don’t read stuff about myself, so that keeps it easy. Also, I don’t think none of the actors read the papers and then go and question each other. At least, I don’t,” he says. While he has chosen to take link-ups with a pinch of salt, it wasn’t the same for his family, who is absolutely new to the glamour world. “Initially my parents read the paper and got really excited about what was written about me. But now, it’s gone down, mostly because I am busy. Also, they know there are some conversations that are not to be had. They know to respect my space and trust me with my decisions because I am sensible,” he says.

In his career spanning five years, Sidharth has done a mixed bag of roles. Though he has no regrets in terms of the films that he chose, early on, with age, he has definitely learnt to pick up better scripts. “My ‘30s have brought about a better understanding of script. Especially, because I had zero guidance in that department. Of course, I did have people who were there for me, but there is only so much people can help you because at the end of the day, it is a call you have to take. The last two years have been great workwise, I did loads of different genres and that will continue to happen in this year as well,” says Sidharth whose next is an action film, Reload, followed by the remake of Yash Chopra’s 1969 murder mystery, Ittefaq with Sonakshi Sinha.

For Sidharth, who was born and raised in Delhi, celebrities being spotted outsides gyms and airports was a new phenomenon. And while he does admit that the attention is flattering, he is still trying to get his head around understand the sudden interest in his life. He says, “I don’t feel it’s annoying. I keep struggling between being a regular Delhi boy, who has grown up going to gyms, coffee shops, and movies and come out as average Joe and not made a big deal about it and this life of an actor. I am still used to being treated like that because I have spent a majority of my life being a normal person. So now, I am surprised when people think that it’s a big deal that I am spotted taking a flight or outside the gym. I don’t understand airport looks. Now they want to click me when I am sweating also. It is amazing because it is such a shift for me because of my upbringing. I am definitely at the stage where I am surprised. I am not negative or positive about it. I am just intrigued that I am now so important.”