|| Bonding with so called 'Intellectuals' #CC 18 (IO) - Page 31

New Delhi: Referring to 2014 as a "wonderful year", 'Balika Vadhu' star Siddharth Shukla is evidently "happy" with the way things turned in his favour. From making his Bollywood debut with 'Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania' to signing a three-film deal with Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, Siddharth has been successful at proving that TV actors have the potential to make their mark in Hindi cinema.

When asked to comment on Karan's acting skills in his Bollywood debut 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaenge', which completes 1000 weeks on December 12, he said, "Every director is a very good actor. I would judge his acting skills on the basis of his performance in 'Bombay Velvet'."

Siddharth, who wooed everyone with his earnest attempts at staging flawless dance performances in 'Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 6', doesn't plan much when it comes to taking up reality shows. "I participated in 'Jhalak Dikhla Jaa' because I wanted to be in the show." What about 'Bigg Boss'? "I am not a planner. I will think when the offer comes. I don't follow 'Bigg Boss' much," he replied.

Siddharth's popular TV show 'Balika Vadhu' has played an instrumental role in raising awareness about child marriage, widow remarriages and several other social evils. So when we asked him about the rising crime against women, he said, "The culprit should be a given a harsh punishment so that he/she does not think of repeating the crime. The punishment should be according to the crime." Shouldn't rapists be stoned to death, at least that's what the commoners have been demanding after the horrifying December 16, 2012 gangrape case? "In a civilised society, it is not possible. But a harsh punishment should be given."