India has voted and chosen the Times 50 Most Desirable Men of 2012. The 7.01 lakh votes received online on www.itimes.com/polls along with our vote decided the winners. TOI talks to Arjun Rampal who tops the list.

Flattered, ecstatic, kicked —what does it feel to be voted the most desirable man of 2012?
I would be lying if I said I'm not flattered being voted as the Times Most Desirable Man of 2012. Frankly, I have no idea how the desirability quotient is arrived at. If it is just drop dead good looks, then I have to thank God and my parents for it.

In your opinion, besides looks, what else goes into making a man desirable?
I think it is a combination of looks, aura, success, the energies that one gives out, the person you are and the person you feel like that makes you 'desirable'. When the outside world sees you as a man who is responsible for himself and his family, as a man who is fit and sensitive, it kind of ups your desirability.

Are you narcissistic? How many times a day do you look in the mirror?
I have not taken my good looks seriously from the beginning. When I would be teased by my friends about my looks, I would just make a self-deprecating remark and let it pass. As I said earlier, my looks came from my parents. As for the vanity bit, the reason I'm not vain is because I have never attached too much importance to being handsome. I'm a normal actor who looks in the mirror when he is shaving, having a haircut or perhaps getting ready for a shoot.

You're 40 and you have still managed to beat the youngsters in the looks department. Is there a secret there?
Yes, the secret is to keep fit, no matter how tough the circumstances are. I hate missing a workout. As you grow old, the challenges to keep yourself fitter are more. I know I have to eat right, sleep right and exercise in moderation. Physical attributes can make you appealing, but to keep the appeal going, one has to draw from within. You have to be a real person. Your fans and the people you associate with have to be able to see beyond your looks. You have to be a good friend, dutiful son and a good family man.

Who according to you is more handsome than you?
For me handsome is what handsome does. And my friend Abhishek Kapoor (Gattu), the maker of Rock On and Kai Po Che, is the most handsome guy in the world. He is a true friend, gives out positive energy and has a fantastic sense of humour. A sense of humour and the ability to laugh at yourself is also what contributes largely to a person's appeal. I know Gattu will tease me mercilessly about this most desirable tag. And I know I will take it sportingly.

Looks apart, what milestones have you set for yourself?
Professionally, I'm in a happy place. My career has been looking up. Post the National Award for Rock On (2008), it has been a win-win on many counts. Films like Chakravyuh, Inkaar, D-Day, Raajneeti and Satyagraha have given me immense potential. I'm indebted to filmmakers like Prakash Jha, Sudhir Mishra, Nikhil Advani and others for writing special roles for me. The way I see things, my career is on the upswing because even the audience has learnt to look beyond my looks and accept me as a performer. The feedback from social networking sites and from my close associates has been heartening.

The coolest stars of Bollywood gathered together to attend Blackberry’s sharp nights event here in the city recently.

Walking the ramp for the clothing brand were our very own handsome hunks Ayushmann Khurrana and Arjun Rampal, who were dressed from head to toe in stylish club wear. Arjun cruised down the ramp, dressed in a nerdy chic mauve shirt and maroon pants, with a matching bow tie.

Ayushmann was first seen in a tee and jeans, performing live on stage at the event. Soon, he changed into a chic beige suit, replete with a green checkered tie and matching socks (which he showed off on the ramp by pulling his trousers up!)

Spotted blazing the stage at the event was singer Anushka Manchanda, rocking the androgynous look in a striped black-and-white shirt, navy blue trousers and an oversized red blazer. Very chic, we say! Karsh Kale accompanied the edgy singer.

Also present at the event were Mandira Bedi, Shriya Saran, Arunoday Singh, Sarah Jane Dias and many others.

Blackberrys, India’s most desirable menswear brand brings together fashion and music, on one stage. Launching the Spring Summer’ 2013 collection at Blackberrys Sharp Nights – Jam up, at an exclusive, closed door fashion extravaganza on 3 May 2013 at Mehboob Studio, Mumbai.

The Jam up concept was to bring together some of the finest and the most versatile talents in Music and Bollywood industry, who have challenged existing norms. We saw 4 new-age artists: Arjun Rampal, Anushka Manchanda, Ayushmann Khurrana & Karsh Kale come together on one stage. Blackberrys has been known for the ‘twist’, ‘for challenging norms’ and walking the unbeaten path. With the brand’s mantra of ‘Go Sharp’, this concept was another novelty from the brand.

Arjun Rampal, who was a part of the Jam up, said, “Sharp Nights, it's an interesting concept to bring out a "not that well known" facet of one's personality. Style, Fashion & Music has always been an integral part of me & am happy to be associated with an event that brought together three of my passions in one very exciting evening.”Anushka Manchanda was a part of India’s first girl band called ‘Viva’ and then attained huge popularity by being a playback singer in cinema. She said, “I just loved the energy and my new look of course! Sharp is about redefining conventions and challenging rules, and Blackberrys Sharp Nights seeks to recognize people who have done that. I am very happy to share the stage with artists like Karsh Kale, Ayushmann and Arjun.”Ayushmann Khurrana, known for his versatility and is now also recognized as a singer. Karsh Kale is a very well known name in the underground music scene, not just in India, but across the world. He is a composer, percussionist, a DJ. He has collaborated with the likes of Anushka Shankar, Norah Jones and many others. It was a truly epic to see all the four come together on one stage, in their all new avatar!

Hey all you Arjun fans,

We're starting early preparations for Arjun's birthday in November and would really appreciate your contribution. We are compiling a book full of fans' love and will mail it to him through a VERY reliable source. Rest assured, he will definitely get it in time for his birthday if all goes smoothly and as planned.

What you need to do: Email us a photo (preferably of yourself with Arjun. If you don't have one with him then send a solo or a fun group photo of Arjun lovers together or just your Twitter profile picture if you want) AND your BIRTHDAY message to Arjun Rampal in not more than 100 words. How you write the message is up to you, whether you want to handwrite and scan it in or snap a photo holding messages etc. Just make sure it is clear and of good quality. We welcome your creativity! Remember to include your name/s and country! (:

Because it is a SURPRISE, please DO NOT tag Arjun in your tweets about the gift. Email your photo and message (or any other questions you may have) to ArjunRampalFC[at]gmail.com.

We want to make this work!! We look forward to your contributions! :D

Let's make this a ROCKING birthday for Arjun from all of his lovely fans! (:

Thanks,
ARFC

Story: Maya (Kajol) is the supermom. Shreya ( Kareena Kapoor) is the wannabe stepmom. Aman (Arjun Rampal) is the confused daddy, torn between the two alpha women.

Having been divorced from his first wife, he is all set to marry his mistress. But before he can do that, he must acquaint her with his three kids who are naturally hostile towards her. Trouble is compounded when Shreya turns out to be the careerist, non-mommy types who views kids as `monsters' and Maya ends up shortchanged by life. Can the family stay together despite the odds?