Mumbai, Jan 17 (IANS): Actor Rahul Kapoor, who featured in television show "Suryaputra Karn" and "Veera", is joining the Bollywood brigade with his first feature film "Vodka Diaries". He says patience is key to survival in showbiz.

On his struggle in the world of showbiz, Rahul said: "I belong to Patiala, Punjab, so it is very difficult to reach at this level without anyone's support. Therefore, I think being patient is the key to survive in the film industry.

"There are statistics that everyday, there are 10,000 people who come to Mumbai to become an actor and around 20,000 people return to their city. So if you don't have patience, you shouldn't make a decision to enter in this industry.

"I am an engineer by profession but I left my job because of my passion for acting and I knew that I will get an opportunity to show my skills".

Rahul became a familiar face with commercial advertisements for TV and music videos.

On his character in "Vodka Diaries", he said: "I have earlier worked in 'D-Day', in which I played a small role. But in 'Vodka Diaries', I have a very strong role that is indispensable to the story and leads the film to the climax. I am playing character of Nikhil who is flirty and stylish.

"I want to thank Kushal Srivastava who gave me an opportunity to work in his movie. I have tried my best to do justice to my character."

The film also features acclaimed actor Kay Kay Menon.

For Rahul, "the whole shooting was like a dream to me (as I was) working alongside Kay Kay Menon who is one of my favourite actors".

"I was nervous while working with him. He helped and encouraged me while shooting of the film. I was observing his acting and tried to follow that. I really got inspired from his performance," he said.

"Vodka Diaries" also stars Raima Sen, Mandira Bedi and Sharib Hashmi. The movie is a contemporary murder mystery releasing on January 19.