He is ego-friendly, has a hero complex, is overrated, and blatantly considers himself the Shah Rukh Khan of television. That’s how the opening episode of Netflix’s Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa introduces Dheeraj Dhoopar. But the actor isn’t entering the reality show with a game plan built on drama. Before entering the house, Dhoopar spoke to mid-day about embracing the unknown, staying true to himself, and revealing personal secrets if the game demands it.

Excerpts from the interview.