FACT FILE: SHASHANK VYAS

Shashank Vyas a.k.a Jagya claims that only 40 plus aunties follow him on social networking sites, and reasons it with a non-hero like personality. What else does he thinks about his life, career and dreams? Let's find out...

Not a bookworm...

After several failed attempts to get admission in an MBA institute, Shashank was coaxed by his friends to pursue a career in acting. After coming to Mumbai he joined Anupam Kher Acting Institute and his struggle boasts of 285 auditions before he got Balika Vadhu. And, now he truly believes in, "If you make your hobby a profession, work doesn't seem like work."

Destiny is not just a word!

Born in Ujjain, MP, Shashank finished his graduation from Indore and never thought of starting a life in Mumbai But once in this city, his father strictly told him not to sit idle. Though, he got a break in India's top television show after his mother's death, he stresses, "Destiny is a very small word but it plays a very vital role in your life."

No qualms about playing a beggar's role

Shashank has still not played the quintessential hero of small screen, yet he feels that his onscreen character has made him taste each and every flavour of his profession. In his own words, "I am here to act; I will act anywhere, anytime with same passion. I can play a beggar and I can play a superstar."

"There's nothing like a dream role for me"

He is clearly not one of those actors who just want to hog the limelight, but one of those who want to prove their talent. Shashank confessed, "I am hungry for good roles. I want to do something so brilliant that it becomes a dream role for others."

Five things he can't live without

a) Work

b) My two friends (Friends since his struggle days)

c) My father's advice

d) Audience's appreciation

e) My mother's picture

Guilty pleasures?

We thought he would talk about gizmos and gadgets but he surprised us once again by confessing that he has a sweet tooth and just can't resist sweets. "But I have cut down on my sugar intake a lot,".

Is he a fitness freak?

After listening to how he has cut down his urges for sweets, we asked him about his fitness regime and were taken by surprise when he asserted, "I don't go to a gym. I am happy with the lean look and just go for running twice a week. I prefer paying more attention on my acting skills than admiring myself in front of the mirror."

But, why is he still single?

He was very unabashed about accepting that may be he is not hero and that's why all the 40 plus aunties like him and refer him as Jagdish beta. When we didn't believe him he said, "Go check my Facebook, twitter and Gmail account!"