I want to produce a musical: Vikas Bhalla

Mumbai, May 26 (IANS) Actor-musician Vikas Bhalla, currently seen as Veer Singh Bundela on popular TV show "Uttaran", says he wants to take a big leap into the world of films as a producer of a grand musical.

"I would like to produce and act in my film. It's going to be a musical. There will be 14 to 15 music tracks. It is too early to say anything more," Vikas told IANS.

"I am looking for the right person to direct the film. When I find him, the movie will start," he added.

Vikas, a trained singer, started his acting career way back in 1996 with "Sauda", but shifted to the small screen soon after a few of his films failed to make it big. But lady luck smiled at his television career as shows like "Sanjog Se Bani Sanjini" and "Shanno Ki Shaadi" earned him a lot of popularity.

The actor joined the cast of "Uttaran" after the show took an 18-year leap. Before that, Veer's role was essayed by actor Nandish Sandhu.

Taking over a character in the middle of an ongoing show isn't easy, says Vikas.

"There is the responsibility of playing a character which is already well established. It does not depend on whether you are a good actor or bad. People have accepted one face and to replace that face takes time," said.

Vikas made sure his homework was in place before he took on Veer's role.

"I read a lot about the character and learnt what it was about from the channel's creatives. I made it a point not to see earlier episodes because I wanted to give my own pitch to the character," he said.

While most actors are apprehensive about playing older roles, Vikas, 38, didn't go through any such emotions.

"I have never thought of my role being limited to a father's role. I always thought of Veer as one of the pillars for the show. It depends on the actors to convincingly play the character.

"Whether it was Anupam Kher in 'Saaransh' or Anil Kapoor in 'Lamhe' -- these were all senior roles played by younger actors. This has been my inspiration even for the role of Veer," he said.