He shot into the spotlight as the quiet but resilient cop Imran Ansari in Paatal Lok. But it was with Rocket Boys last year, in which he played the resolute genius Vikram Sarabhai, that Ishwak Singh grabbed the maximum eyeballs. The SonyLIV show earned both praise and prize. With projects like Berlin, Bas Karo Aunty, Adhura and Rocket Boys 2 on the anvil, The Telegraph chatted with the young actor.

Rocket Boys received a lot of praise and eyeballs. When you were making the show, did you realise it would turn out to be so big?

I believed in Rocket Boys from the very first day. It was good writing and a relevant story, something that makes a difference. I knew it will be special. However, I had little idea that it will resonate so well with the audience and become a cult show.

In a creative space that’s so cluttered and crowded, in hindsight, what do you think worked for the show?

It is a very rooted story. Indian stories stemming out of our diverse and rich culture, stories that dare to talk about social and political issues, about our volatile yet harmonious society, fascinating stories of the past, ancient and modern history, the evolution of where we are today... if presented well, always find its place.

How much has the success of the show dictated or changed the kind of choices you are making now?

I always follow the basics. Writing is the key for me followed by the vision of the directors and the makers. I only see that the fundamentals have to be right.

You have always told me that your aim is to work out of the box and attempt diverse parts. Having said that, is there a particular genre or kind of role that you find yourself most comfortable doing?

Every part, no matter how near or far from my personality, has its challenges. An authentic piece of writing will always be challenging and since it’s also rooted in its time and context, it is also relatable. I would say I feel comfortable and shaken up playing every character because all characters are layered and make me turn it up to 11.

If you had to do a SWOT analysis on yourself, what would you say are your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as an actor?

I don’t think actors, or at least the way I see the job and our profession, can undergo a SWOT analysis. An actor’s strength can be his weakness and vice-versa. In the realm of art and acting, conventional analysis doesn’t work. There are lots of opportunities today because makers are raising the bar and we have multiple platforms to tell stories.

In the uncertain world of showbusiness, are there days when you regret you didn’t fall back on being an architect?

There is an equal amount of uncertainty in architecture or any other profession. An actor or any performing artiste knows deep down where he stands and what he’s capable of. I feel If I am honest in my own assessment, then I will never get disillusioned with this profession.