Never thought I`d have to struggle so much: Rahul Haridas

Chennai: Actor Rahul Haridas`s career didn`t take off as expected after the success of his cinematic debut, the 2007 Telugu college drama `Happy Days`. He says he had to struggle more than expected to sustain himself in the industry. In fact, he feels he is almost a newcomer today. "I did `Happy Days` many years back and I was just a teenager then. My second film called `Rainbow` came and went in no time. After that, I worked in a prestigious project for about a year and a half but it got shelved. I never thought I would have to struggle so much after a good debut. I have to start afresh now," Rahul said. Gearing up for the release of his upcoming Telugu romantic-drama `Love You Bangaram`, he said: "I`m sure many would have forgotten my name and how I look. I need to prove myself once again with this film". Ironically, three other lead actors Varun Sandesh, Tamannah Bhatia and Nikhil Siddharth from `Happy Days` went on to be successful in the industry. Rahul is happy for them. "I`m happy for them. In fact, it actually encourages me to not give up when I look at them today because all of us pretty much started together. Moreover, we all are good friends," he said. Rahul is returning with a makeover in `Love You Bangaram`, which is being directed by Maruthi. "I needed a makeover to make a fresh start. I worked hard and maintained a lean physique and have developed six-pack abs, but I won`t sport it in the film. I just worked on it to keep myself fit," he added.