I went to Antonio D’Souza High School, Byculla, in Mumbai right from kindergarten to Standard X. I was a good student — among the top five in my class — and I consistently excelled in Hindi.

But this did not mean that I didn’t have my share of fun in school. I played a lot of pranks on my teachers. The school calendar had a ‘Remarks’ column in which teachers wrote to parents when children had been particularly naughty. We were supposed to get these signed by our parents. Though it was a dreaded thing for most of my schoolmates, for me it was a matter of great honour to have these missives sent home every once in a while. I knew how to copy my mother’s signature to a T and routinely signed the remarks on her behalf, thus ensuring that she never even came to know about my escapades.

School was not just about studies. Though studious, I played cricket and participated in athletic events. Dramatics and fashion show choreography also featured prominently among my favourite activities. In fact, I also did a spot of modelling in school and college and walked the ramp at several events.

We have a family business and I was expected to take up its reins when I was done with my studies. As I was the best student among all my siblings, my father had great faith in me and wanted me to get a masters degree. To fulfil his desire, I got myself an MBA and joined the family business. Today, when I am not writing lyrics, I look after the family business.

I have some great friends from my schooldays who have been with me through everything. I still hang around with them much more than I do with my colleagues in the film industry.

I am the youngest of nine brothers and one sister. Though I have a child of my own now, I still remain the most pampered individual in my huge family. In a way I feel that my fundays are still continuing, with my nieces and nephews — who, I must add, are very proud of me for the recognition I have got — contributing to the feeling of immense satisfaction that I enjoy today.