Posted:
http://m.timesofindia.com/tv/news/hindi/Vishal-Aditya-Singh-Lakhan-the-newbaddie-of-television/articleshow/47863998.cms
Vishal Aditya Singh aka 'Lakhan' of &TV's 'Begusarai' is on cloud nine with viewers' positive response to his role. With his tall frame and chiseled body, Vishal is small screen's one of the most good looking 'villains' of recent times. We got this new 'Baddie' of television reminisce about life before 'Begusarai' and his screen avatar 'Lakhan'. Times TV Exclusive, read on:
How does it feel to be the new bad boy of small screen?
Bad Boy! I was thinking of myself as a 'hero'. I am enjoying every moment of this opportunity. Once in a life time you get a chance like this. I have reached this stage with my hard work. I will make sure to work harder to preserve it.
How was your life before 'Begusarai'?
I am from a small town near Bihar. I was an athlete. I represented various sports tournament on district and state level but didn't pursue it. I worked with my cousin who was actively involved in politics. If not an actor, I would have become a popular politician. I used to hate party politics. I preferred working alone. Along with my few friends, we formed a small youth group 'Yuva Rising Stars', through which we used to do local charities. I did some modeling assignments but didn't enjoy it much. My father encouraged me to come to Mumbai. I have decided to give myself maximum 2-3 years to become an actor. I have a drawback that I am too lazy at the same time I am very determined.
What were your initial challenges?
When I came to Mumbai I realized that I have miles to go to become an actor. Since I am from Bihar, it's difficult for me to differentiate between 'Sa' and 'Sha'. Though my Hindi was good, I had to improve my diction. I used to slur while talking. I was absolutely clueless about acting. My friend and brother Ashish Sharma of 'Rangrasia' fame and Manish Wadhwa helped me to become whatever I am today. I learned a lot by just watching other actors perform.
How did 'Begusarai' happen?
I auditioned for casting director Jeet Choudhary. After almost one and half year he called me for 'Begusarai'. They selected me for 'Lakhan' and here I am, playing 'Lakhan' with full dedication.
How you mould yourself in becoming 'Lakhan'?
It's amazing to play such a powerful character like 'Lakhan'. Lakhan might look aloof from others but he is very much connected. I am fidgety in real life. To play 'Lakhan', the first step was to bring certain composure in my behavior. I saw Lakhan through other characters' point of view. By observing others play their roles, gave me an idea about Lakhan's personality.
Which is one thing you would like to change about Lakhan?
Lakhan is irrational. He can get distracted easily from the original subject, which I don't like about him.
With whom doing the scenes are most challenging?
Doing scenes with Poonam and my mother Rekha is easy. Doing scenes with Darshan Dave and Narendra Jha satisfies the actor within me. I have to be fully prepared before every scene with them.
Tell us about your chemistry with co-stars- Shivangi Joshi and Sartaj Gill.
We have an amazing chemistry. Sartaj is an intelligent and well read person. He has a certain style of working which I like. Poonam has a childlike innocence about her. I trouble her not only on-screen but off-screen too. She has extremely expressive eyes. All 3 of us spend lot of time together. I and Sartaj feel protective towards Poonam. I fond memories of us going for a boat ride in Banaras, roaming streets of Indore late night.
Which character is closer to you besides Lakhan?
Undoubtedly, Priyom's! He is charming. He is a flirt but not a liar. In any situation, Priyom is full of hopes and positivity. I find it interesting. At some level I connect with him in real life.
READ: Sartaj Gill plays 'Priyom Thakur' in 'Begusarai'.
How life has changed after 'Begusarai'?
People have started recognizing me which is a good feeling. Recently when I went for a security check in a mall, instead of using the detector, the guard came forward to shake my hand. I was amazed to see that so many people watch 'Begusarai'. My family is also happy with the show's popularity. My mom still finds it difficult to digest that her 'Gullu' has become a 'Gunda' on television. Her curiosity is such that after every three months she keeps asking me if I have signed any new show, which I find funny!
WATCH: Vishal Aditya Singh as 'Lakhan' in 'Begusarai'.
Who is your favourite television actor/actress?
I love Sakshi Tanwar. She is versatile and speaks volumes through her eyes.
Do you have anyone special in real life?
I am very much single and ready to mingle.
In real life, to what extent you can go to win your love?
I will be loyal and passionate but I won't force anybody. I can't be melodramatic. I believe in live and let live. I will avoid doing anything which I don't want to see in anyone else.
What are the qualities you will look for in your partner?
She must have a positive attitude towards life. I am a positive person and I want my partner to be definitely one too.
What next after 'Begusarai'?
At the moment I would like to concentrate only on 'Begusarai'. But in near future you might see me dancing in 'Jhalak Dikhhla Ja' or 'Bigg Boss'. I love dancing so if I don't mind participating in 'Jhalak'. In 'Bigg Boss', I can guarantee you that I will scare off other contestants.
How does it feel to be the new bad boy of small screen?
Bad Boy! I was thinking of myself as a 'hero'. I am enjoying every moment of this opportunity. Once in a life time you get a chance like this. I have reached this stage with my hard work. I will make sure to work harder to preserve it.
How was your life before 'Begusarai'?
I am from a small town near Bihar. I was an athlete. I represented various sports tournament on district and state level but didn't pursue it. I worked with my cousin who was actively involved in politics. If not an actor, I would have become a popular politician. I used to hate party politics. I preferred working alone. Along with my few friends, we formed a small youth group 'Yuva Rising Stars', through which we used to do local charities. I did some modeling assignments but didn't enjoy it much. My father encouraged me to come to Mumbai. I have decided to give myself maximum 2-3 years to become an actor. I have a drawback that I am too lazy at the same time I am very determined.
What were your initial challenges?
When I came to Mumbai I realized that I have miles to go to become an actor. Since I am from Bihar, it's difficult for me to differentiate between 'Sa' and 'Sha'. Though my Hindi was good, I had to improve my diction. I used to slur while talking. I was absolutely clueless about acting. My friend and brother Ashish Sharma of 'Rangrasia' fame and Manish Wadhwa helped me to become whatever I am today. I learned a lot by just watching other actors perform.
How did 'Begusarai' happen?
I auditioned for casting director Jeet Choudhary. After almost one and half year he called me for 'Begusarai'. They selected me for 'Lakhan' and here I am, playing 'Lakhan' with full dedication.
How you mould yourself in becoming 'Lakhan'?
It's amazing to play such a powerful character like 'Lakhan'. Lakhan might look aloof from others but he is very much connected. I am fidgety in real life. To play 'Lakhan', the first step was to bring certain composure in my behavior. I saw Lakhan through other characters' point of view. By observing others play their roles, gave me an idea about Lakhan's personality.
Which is one thing you would like to change about Lakhan?
Lakhan is irrational. He can get distracted easily from the original subject, which I don't like about him.
With whom doing the scenes are most challenging?
Doing scenes with Poonam and my mother Rekha is easy. Doing scenes with Darshan Dave and Narendra Jha satisfies the actor within me. I have to be fully prepared before every scene with them.
Tell us about your chemistry with co-stars- Shivangi Joshi and Sartaj Gill.
We have an amazing chemistry. Sartaj is an intelligent and well read person. He has a certain style of working which I like. Poonam has a childlike innocence about her. I trouble her not only on-screen but off-screen too. She has extremely expressive eyes. All 3 of us spend lot of time together. I and Sartaj feel protective towards Poonam. I fond memories of us going for a boat ride in Banaras, roaming streets of Indore late night.
Which character is closer to you besides Lakhan?
Undoubtedly, Priyom's! He is charming. He is a flirt but not a liar. In any situation, Priyom is full of hopes and positivity. I find it interesting. At some level I connect with him in real life.
READ: Sartaj Gill plays 'Priyom Thakur' in 'Begusarai'.
How life has changed after 'Begusarai'?
People have started recognizing me which is a good feeling. Recently when I went for a security check in a mall, instead of using the detector, the guard came forward to shake my hand. I was amazed to see that so many people watch 'Begusarai'. My family is also happy with the show's popularity. My mom still finds it difficult to digest that her 'Gullu' has become a 'Gunda' on television. Her curiosity is such that after every three months she keeps asking me if I have signed any new show, which I find funny!
WATCH: Vishal Aditya Singh as 'Lakhan' in 'Begusarai'.
Who is your favourite television actor/actress?
I love Sakshi Tanwar. She is versatile and speaks volumes through her eyes.
Do you have anyone special in real life?
I am very much single and ready to mingle.
In real life, to what extent you can go to win your love?
I will be loyal and passionate but I won't force anybody. I can't be melodramatic. I believe in live and let live. I will avoid doing anything which I don't want to see in anyone else.
What are the qualities you will look for in your partner?
She must have a positive attitude towards life. I am a positive person and I want my partner to be definitely one too.
What next after 'Begusarai'?
At the moment I would like to concentrate only on 'Begusarai'. But in near future you might see me dancing in 'Jhalak Dikhhla Ja' or 'Bigg Boss'. I love dancing so if I don't mind participating in 'Jhalak'. In 'Bigg Boss', I can guarantee you that I will scare off other contestants.
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