SINGAPORE : He went to Los Angeles to be a musician but ended up acting. Accidental actor Jared Leto got his big break playing heartthrob Jordan Catalano in TV series “My So-Called Life” in 1994 and soon landed roles in movies like "Urban Legend", "Fight Club" and "American Psycho".

As his film career began to take off, Leto started the band 30 Seconds to Mars with brother, Shannon. Their self-titled album which was released in 2002, achieved limited success while their sophomore album “A Beautiful Lie” (2005) went platinum.

Though singing is his passion, Leto has no plans to give up acting. Over the years, he has gained a reputation for controversial and daring film choices, favouring dark roles. The 37-year-old put his body through hell, dropping one-fifth of his weight for his role as a drug addict in “Requiem for a Dream”, and more recently for “Chapter 27” (2007), he gained 62 pounds to play the man who killed John Lennon, Mark David Chapman.

The actor devised a little trick to help him pile on the weight: melting chocolate ice cream and then drinking it – not surprising considering his favourite drink is hot chocolate. He even went to extremes of drinking a mixture of olive oil and soy sauce to get himself bloated.

“Making films has given me the most amazing experiences... I suppose that's one part of it all that keeps it continually interesting for me!

“I'm very lucky to be able to spend my life doing this, and very grateful. Who knows what the future holds but I plan on continuing for some time. There are a lot of things outside of entertainment that I plan on exploring one day so we will see,” he said.

For several years, Leto split his time between his two careers - when he’s “recovering” from his roles, he works on his music and tours with his band. The band are currently working on their new record.

So would 30 Seconds to Mars consider giving away free music like bands such as Coldplay and Radiohead?

“I am not opposed to giving the music away for free in any way that is possible as long as artistes and fans can communicate and share with each other. That's the most important aspect,” said Leto.

30 Seconds to Mars will take some time out to travel to Asia for the MTV Asia Awards (MAA) 2008 on 2 August in Genting, Malaysia, which Leto will host with Hong Kong singer and actress Karen Mok.

“I was very excited when I was asked (to host the MAA). Not just for the experience of hosting such a fun event but for the opportunity to come to a part of Asia I haven't yet been,” said Leto, who intends to do a little travelling when he's here. “I'm trying to decide if I go back to Thailand, which I love, or to somewhere I've never been before. But I definitely want to explore. I love Asia!”

Though it’s his first time hosting such a large scale event, it’s not entirely unfamiliar territory for him. “When 30 Seconds to Mars plays a show, I suppose I become the de facto host for those nights on the road,” he said.

Apart from host, Leto is also a nominee at this year’s MAA. 30 Seconds to Mars’ “A Beautiful Lie” has been nominated for the Video Star award alongside Fergie’s “Clumsy”, “D.A.N.C.E” by Justice and “Nine in the Afternoon” by Panic at the Disco. This award rewards the single most outstanding video that has achieved breakthrough in execution and concept.

Acts scheduled to perform on the big night include The Click Five, OneRepublic, Panic at the Disco and Leona Lewis. However, fans hoping to jam with 30 Seconds to Mars are going to be disappointed.

“We have promised ourselves that there will be no more shows until we finish a new record. And we will try to keep that promise but we seem to keep breaking it so you never know!” said Leto.

Maybe 30 Seconds to Mars will break their promise one more time if they win the Video Star award. Fingers crossed.


Jared Leto's MAA Predictions

Favourite International Artist in Asia
- Avril Lavigne
- Fergie
- Justin Timberlake
- Linkin Park

JL: Well they are all very successful in their own right. I think overall Linkin Park is very deserving in this catagory. They are a relentless touring band and spend a lot of time around the world so they definitely deserve an award for that. They are also friends so I may be a bit partial! (Laughs)

Breakthrough Artist
- Daughtry
- Leona Lewis
- Mika
- OneRepublic

JL: I saw Mika at the MTV Euro Awards and he gave a phenomonal performance. I also think OneRepublic write great pop songs so... it's up to the gods here!

The Innovation Award
- Kayne West
- Goldfrapp
- Gwen Stefani
- Radiohead

JL: Wow. I couldn't even choose. They all are so deserving and talented. Hopefully it'll be a four way tie!

Best Hook-Up
- Avril Lavigne feat Lil’ Mama - “Girlfriend”
- Beyonce feat Shakira - “Beautiful Liar”
- Rihanna feat Jay-Z - “Umbrella”
- Timbaland feat OneRepublic - “Apologize”

JL: I think the big T and OneRepublic hook up has a pretty great shot here.

- CNA/il