No time 2 stand & stare-Ali aka Akshat

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Shruti

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Posted: 17 years ago

No time to stand and stare

Back to Section Stories Posted On Monday, January 07, 2008

Ranjib Mazumder

Ali Merchant

Ali Merchant knows how hectic life can get while working in the small screen industry. The actor who plays the lead roles in two shows simultaneously has been shooting non- stop. In fact, he has been living on the sets for the past four days.

Ali plays Akshat in Amber Dhara and Arjun Singhania in Ek Thi Rajkumari. Ali says, "Ever since I have joined the shows as the lead actor, my life has changed completely. I have been shooting for almost 24 hours everyday. I guess playing the lead character takes a toll on our lives."

Ali stays in Kandivali East and the shoots take place at Sakinaka for Amber Dhara and Vikhroli for Ek Thi Rajkumari. For the past four days, Ali has been shuffling between the studios and has not gone home. "I don't even get enough time to sleep. Thankfully, my producers are co-operative, I take permission to sleep for two hours on the sets," he adds.

Ali tries to avoid eating food on the sets and tries to maintain his diet. "I try my best not to eat food on the sets. Most of the time, I carry my food and a lot of fruits and juices which keeps me going. I also don't get the time to work out," he says.

How different is life from when he was a part of Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii? "I was not playing the lead in Kahaani… But I am playing lead in both the shows and I am quite happy with my career. The only problem is that I miss being at home. In fact, my friends have also warned me that this hectic lifestyle can ruin my health. But for the moment, I can't help it as I am committed to both the projects," Ali adds.

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&am p;sectid=12&contentid=2008010720080107024651234cd409f45