Link:
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/talking-point-with-neil-bhatt/340731/
The 21-year-old debutant plays the title character of a superhero in fantasy serial Arslaan The buzz goes that the story of Arslaan resembles that of Harry Potter.
Not at all, the character is different, the story is different and so are the twists. Here, a dragon protects Arslaan, which was not the same in Harry. While Harry's a magical child, Arslaan doesn't have magical powers. He doesn't know his identity, which he wants to find out. Arslaan is an ordinary boy with extraordinary talent. He has the ability and eventually he will be a superhero. Situation will lead him to be one.
Being a newcomer tell us about your shooting experience.
It's amazing. I had some anxiety facing the camera.
I was told that I was the only inexperienced actor in the unit so I tried hard to meet up to the expectations. I also wanted to prove myself. Besides, we have been on the story for some time. For two months, I was trained in martial arts, followed by a month of script reading.
The latter was done so that all our on-screen chemistry works. Though it's a fantasy, the focus was to make the characters relatable.
You are seen sporting an armour and sabre in the show. Is the garb heavy?
Yes, it is. It's made from jute, wool and denim. There are belts as well. And I also carry a saber. All of that weigh around 15 kilos.
Who are your heroes?
Hancock is my hero. I love his carefree attitude. Of actors, I like Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan. I try to follow their work.
How did Arslaan happen?
When I heard about the show I went for an audition. After the look-test and all, they chose me. In fact, in the last three years I went for at least 100 auditions, out of which I was short-listed for five to six serials; though, none finally worked out. But auditions were like practice for me.
So you always wanted to be an actor?
Three years ago I did a course in acting from Kishore Namit Kapoor's institute. But I also continued with my studies. I have passed my HSc with Commerce from HR College and currently, I am pursuing my law degree from Jeetendra Chauhan College of Law. I'm in the fourth year. My father is a publisher of law books, my mother is a painter and my sister is aspiring to be a commercial artist. They always support me.
