Make no mistake, I am here to stay: Siddharth

His disappearance from Hindi cinema after the success of Rang De Basanti, had surprised many, but actor Siddharth, who was busy building a career down south, says he is back in Bollywood and for good.

The actor, who played a disillusioned youth alongside Aamir Khan, R Madhavan and Sharman Joshi in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's 2006 blockbuster, is making a comeback in Bollywood with Striker, which will hit theatres on February 5.

"To be very honest, I had just become a star in south before RDB happened. I could not completely abandon that. I have really worked hard to ensure my place in southern cinema," Siddharth told PTI in an interview.

"Now that I am an established star there, I can afford to spend time and make a mark in Hindi cinema. But make no mistake. I am here to stay. I don't want to be just another guy. I want to be respected and loved as much as I am in the Telugu and Tamil film industry," Siddharth said.

The actor, began his journey in the films as an assistant director in Mani Ratnam's Kannathil Muthamittal but turned down some big offers from Bollywood to concentrate on his career in Tamil and Telugu films post Rang De Basanti.

But 30-year-old Siddharth is confident that Striker, which is based on a true story about a carrom player from Mumbai's ghettos, will not only help him become a star, but also establish his credentials as a solo actor.

Set in 1980's, the film has been directed by Chandan Arora, whose previous credits include Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon and Main Meri Patni Aur Woh. It is releasing on February 5.