ACTOR Neil Nitin Mukesh, who made his debut in Johnny Gaddaar was the name on every girl's lips not too long ago. But the handsome actor hasn't let success go to his head.

He was ever-so-courteous, even with the media badgering him with questions and photographers asking him to pose, at the launch of the Pure Connections store at Peddar Road, Mumbai.

So how is the actor doing post Johnny Gaddar?

"Johnny Gaddaar did great, because it helped people identify with me as Neil Mukesh and as an actor. The most essential part of being an actor is being recognised as an actor," says Neil.

"Many people tell me that I should have concentrated on becoming a star and then an actor. But I like to break the norms. I don't follow a pattern. That's why I chose Johnny Gaddar as my debut vehicle and it worked wonders for me as an actor."

Well, we don't doubt Neil's acting skills. But the hottie has his own sense of style too.

Neil's look:

- A casual white jacket with a hood from River Island. "It goes with the weather," he says.

- A fluoroscent yellow-green T-shirt which says Supremacy to beat the monsoon blues.

- Denims that sport a wet look "Just in case I get wet in the rains it won't show," he laughs.

- White cobra boots from London.

Style mantra: Just be cool. Don't try and put on something that you are not confident wearing.

Favourite shopping spots: Ideally I like shopping at Top Man and River Island.

Now that I have seen the Pure Connections collection I am thinking of picking up some stuff for myself. They've got some great sporty track pants that I've already asked to be kept aside for me.

Fitness is a sure shot priority for Neil.

Fitness mantra: I work out practically every single day. But because of my long work hours (15 to 16 hours a day), I try to concentrate more on my diet.

I do a lot of freehand exercises like kicks and pull-ups.

Once a week I concentrate on pure breathing exercises and yoga.

I also do a lot of cardio - swimming or running on a treadmill. I spin a lot at Topspin because that makes me feel really energetic.

In the photograph: Neil Nitin Mukesh (centre) with Nirav Shah and Pahyal Kothaari.