“I can’t respond to a ‘Hey’ in DMS. Be original!”

If you ask and Gehraiyaan-star Dhairya Karwa what movie resonates with him the most, he’ll say Taare Zameen Par. As someone who went to boarding school from just Class 1, the movie still makes him cry. He is, however, thankful for the memories, the friends he made, and the discipline it inculcated in him. He went on to SRCC in Delhi University—it may have been on a sports quota for this 6’4 basketball player— but he also scored 91 per cent in his board exams!

As he grew older, he says he “really took to his name very seriously” [Dhairya means forbearance]. Working as a data analyst in Gurgaon, prepping for his GMAT, he “never” wanted to be an actor, because he used to have acute stage fright. Then, he started modelling in Delhi and wanted to give it a “serious shot”. So, he packed his bags, made “the most instinctive decision” of his life and headed to Mumbai. As this sportsman puts it, he still hasn’t made it. “Till now, I’ve just been a spectator. I’ve only just entered the field—i’m walking towards the pitch; I haven’t even started batting yet.” —URVEE MODWEL

Tell us your one vice.

The last few years I’ve been on a diet, but sometimes I get this wild urge and I put on a rom-com and eat an entire jar of Nutella.

What is your most irrational fear?

That there’s going to be an apocalypse, buildings will be falling down and I’ll have to dodge everything and survive.

Would you date someone who slips into your DMS?

Yes, as long as that someone is original. I can’t just respond to “hey.”

If you could pick one superpower, what would it be?

To read people’s minds.

If you could re-do life, what would you change?

To have been more confident with girls when I was in college. I was so shy, it was ridiculous.

What is the most personal item on your bedside table?

I don’t like to keep anything, except a very small clock. I don’t like clutter.

One dream you see yourself achieving?

I dreamt that I went to Mannat and was hanging out with Shah Rukh Khan.

What do you wear to sleep?

Usually shorts and maybe a T-shirt.

What is the last thing you do before going to sleep?

Brush and floss, and say a small prayer. I keep my phone aside at 12am.

Very boring, I know.

{ Would you rather? }

Owe someone money or a favour?

Owe someone a favour, I don’t want a loan on my head.

Have a time machine or have a magic wand?

Amagicwand.

Tell a painful truth or a comforting lie?

A comforting lie.

Have regrets or have doubts?

Definitely doubts.

What is the best advantage of being tall?

Well, I get to wash the doorframes, and I was always given extra duties during Diwali housecleaning.

What is that one embarrassing memory that haunts you at 3am?

In the fourth grade, my teacher forced me to play Pinocchio in a school play and my co-actor and I both forgot our lines. During the play, in front of all the parents and teachers, we were looking at each other saying, “It’s your line.”

Do you have a nickname?

My friends call me DK. At home, I’m Dhiru, or Dhairu.

{ Bedside stories }

What is the worst decision you’ve ever made?

It happens every time I go to a restaurant. I should never order as I always order the worst things.