With a nation-full of young women drooling over him, Sharad Malhotra has become the darling of the classes and the masses. His childlike smile and innocence won him accolades from people in all societies and viewers of all ages.
While his role as a mentally-challenged Sagar in Banoo Main Teri Dulhann made him popular, it will be interesting to see Sharad playing shades of gray. His character now appears to be cured, yet continues with a mentally challenged act to fight the evil intents of his sister on the show.
We talk to the actor about his life, love and family.
You have a huge female fan following since you started playing Sagar in Banoo Main Teri Dulhann. What does it feel like?
It feels great. It feels pampered. It hasn't changed me but it has encouraged me to work harder so that I have more women running after me. You feel happy that you are loved and it only makes you more hardworking.
You have also been playing a mentally challenged person. Have you ever interacted with differently-abled persons before you took on this role?
Not personally. But before I took on this role I went to an institution in Baroda where they had mentally and physically handicapped persons. It is definitely sad to see them, but they have their own way of enjoying life that we can't understand.
They smile and laugh and they are happy in their own world. They have a very special way of enjoying.
It is very sad when you come across these people but they also try and be happy in that situation. It was soul stirring to go to such an institution. They will just look at you and smile even if they don't know who you are or why you are there. If you ask them to sing or dance with you, or you give them a chocolate, they enjoy with you not knowing who you are.
They also try and find their happiness. You get tears in your eyes thinking that they are also so happy. But I don't feel so sorry because going to that institution was an eye opener. I had a blast being with them, laughing and dancing. I can never forget that experience.
Are you a child at home or are you in control?
At home, I try to be in control. Initially when I started playing this character, I used to get carried away. I live alone in Mumbai so my maid used to tell me that. I used to tell her, "Khana banaya nahin?" "Bed banaya nahin?" Even my friends used to tell me, "See see, there there, you are walking like that". Your body language, the way you walk and talk does change somewhere. I still talk very fast, I think you can figure that out.
But now I have settled down. I am into the skin of the character. And now I am lucky to play two shades of the character.
Are you seeing someone?
At the moment - no. I have no time now and neither am I very keen. Probably when I feel the need to settle down, I will. Definitely, all of us need a great, steady relationship. But I am very busy with my work right now.
Do you believe in a love or an arranged marriage?
I think marriage would be lovely if it was arranged by me. I definitely agree with the concept of an arranged marriage.
What relationship do you share with your siblings?
I only have a sister and I share an open relationship with her. Most of the things that my folks don't know, she will know. She's like a mother-figure to me. We are very close. Even in school and college, I was a very naughty kid and it makes me proud to say so. But my sister, she would know everything. I think we share more than a special bond. And she just had a daughter.
What about your niece?
My niece Sanaira is one of the most beautiful babies I have seen after myself. I had dedicated a critics' award I received last year to her.
Are you a family person?
I am absolutely a family person. I love to be with family. I belong to a joint family in Calcutta and now I am alone in Mumbai so it really sucks. It has been two years now so I have settled down. But I miss having people around and all the hullabaloo of cousins and family. Given a choice, I would pick family.
http://www.shaaditimes.com/celebrities/love-talk/sharad-0802 19
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I know he looks tired but damn he looks so cute....I want him!!!!!😕😕😕 HOXYY DUDE!!! I Lowe uuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!😳
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