Mandhars interview.

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Mandar (TOI Photo)

On screen he's a 16-year old orphan who embarks on a magical journey. Off-screen Mandar is a 21-year-old college student from Mumbai, juggling the demands of a television career with studies.

In Ahmedabad to promote the serial for the first time, Aladdin aka Mandar chats up with AT about his magical journey.

"This is my first serial and I am enjoying it a lot," smiles Mandar, elaborating about his role. So how did he land with it in the first place? "It was purely by chance. I had accompanied my younger brother to an audition for this serial, and I was told to give it a shot. Luckily, I was selected for the role of Aladdin," he remembers.

So, does that mean studies have taken a backseat? "No. I am doing a Bachleor's degree in Arts from D J Ruparel College, Mumbai. But I always wanted to be an actor and would also like to continue acting in future," he says.

Will his tryst with the small screen continue after this? "Why not ? If something good comes my way. But I definitely don't want to work in saas-bahu dramas. I would love to do adventurous and challenging roles. Though I am getting many offers, at present, I am happy playing Aladdin. I want to concentrate on one thing at a time," he says.

Sometimes actors start relating to the character they enact on screen. Is it happening with Mandar? And the young actor laughs, "I sleep, work and breathe the role I am doing.

The best part of doing this show is that I get to do all kind of stunts. Playing this role is a lot of fun, and I am enjoying as TV's new teenybopper on his ride to stardom and girls every moment of it," he says.

And some of that play-acting has rubbed off in real life as well. His rapport with leading Nazea Hasan for instance.

He goes on to admits that "Nadea and I have become good friends, because we have spent a lot of time together. She's a great person to work with.

In fact, We used to be neighbours once."

And does he have a love in real life? A tell-tale blush colours his face as he says shyly, "I am singe, but not ready to mingle. For the time being I want to focus on my work and studies. Love can wait."
As you wish Aladdinji!