Sharad's the new face on tellyblock

Even in his wildest dreams Sharad Malhotra, Akash Sagar of Banungi Main Teri Dulhann, never imagined he'd be an actor someday.

Even in his wildest dreams Sharad Malhotra never imagined he'd be an actor someday. He always wanted to be a cricketer. He played for the Bengal team and other top tournaments, but destiny had something else in store for him. He participated in Cinestar Khoj just for the fun of it two years ago and he was the chosen one! This Kolkata boy then packed his bags and came to Mumbai, where he was given acting lessons. "Things just happened and here I am today. Now acting has become more than a passion," he smiles.

As Akash Sagar in Banungi Main Teri Dulhann , Sharad has got a lot of scope to emote, considering he was playing a mentally-challenged person. "I did alot of homework for this character . I sat in a nursery school, observed my building kids, saw movies like Eshwar, Sadma and Black . I went for a workshop to improvise on the body language. Initially I was apprehensive about this role, but took it up as a challenge." Recounting his first shot for the serial in Banaras, he says, "I was coming out of the water and it was so cold that I was freezing! I can never forget that day."

Sharad's a household face today and he's enjoying this phase, with women coming up to me, hugging him and blessing him. He's a mama's boy, he admits. "My mom's thrilled with my acting. Whenever I call home she sounds so happy. That makes me feel good."

The young man is single but hang on, he's not ready to mingle! "Where's the time? Whatever little time I have I'd rather keep it for myself," he laughs.