Namik Paul the budding heartthrob shares about his journey from nobody to somebody and about his overnight stardom.
When this acting bug bite you?
I was in my high school and part of theatre where we use to play school plays. I think from fifth standard I'm much intrigued with acting because that was the first time I'm part of a play and then we put up in Inter-school competition and we got a couple of awards too.
What made you to foray into glamour world? Is it passion or by chance?
Acting I really enjoyed but modelling was something I used to do in Delhi. To earn some money and pass the time. It been my passion always, but I think I discovered it now.
Share about journey from nobody to somebody?
The journey started just three years ago. At the dawn of my career I don't know how to do and what to do. Then I started taking classes and going for auditions. When I'm auditioning for another show, the production house "Bindu Moving Images" called me and I got selected for "Ek Duje Ke Vaaste".
How are you enjoying the overnight stardom? Everybody knows you now?
No, no. Everybody doesn't know who I'm (giggles). The show made me. That is what I really wanted. People appreciate me when I meet them and say, they are really enjoying the show. Which is the best thing to hear because one person is not making it. It is team effort.
You debut with Qubool Hai and you played as father, why? Is it because you want to fulfill your dream as an actor?
Oh no. I played as a father for younger one. Because I have few friends who are parenting for 3-5 years kids. So keeping them in mind I did the role of Ahsaan. It is very simple role to play. That wasn't something I really wanted to play, it just happened.
Define yourself?
A work in progress.
What appealed you most for the role of Shravan? Is it lead role that's why?
The overall story appealed to me. I actually fit in it. I understood why Shravan took those decisions. He has his own weakness and he is aware about them. Moreover, when you play a character you should know, why that role is behaving in certain way. Because when normally actors does random stuff, the story doesn't move on. So I personally spoke to the writers and I asked every person who related to the show about my character and then I said yes. No only today but in future also if Shravan does anything, first of all I will make sure to learn "why he is doing like that?" No matter what.
What is your first instinct when you read the script of "Ek Duje Ke Vaaste"?
I didn't really read the script. I was actually in Gym and Richa who is part of the creative team just called me and gave me brief story about 25-30 minutes on the phone. It is very simple story without any myth and supernatural powers. Yes you can take instance from bunch of Bollywood characters but the way they narrated me I felt there is a lot to do. He is a lawyer and gives much attitude towards women. He is smart but introvert. But at the same time he can be an extrovert. There was much to play around.
Bindu Moving Images are also new, so how did you trust the production house
One of the creative who I know is working with them. Then Richa and others writers have done assemblage of work. Once I sat down with them and said I don't want to do same old melodrama and stuff. They felt so genuine about it. Actually they lived up to it. I'm happy to be part of the show
The show trailer showcased Suman and Shravan's journey will be like Clash of Titians", what is your take?
It's not. See in promo you want to showcase the basic novel of the concept within 30 seconds of time. They both have ego issues. They fight with each other with no reasons. So how they move together with such issues around them is the story. Though the promo was just a hook, but we moved much beyond what we shown.
In initial episode itself Shravan says to pushkar that as lawyer he should listen arguments of the both side, then why he is not giving any chance to Suman to explain herself?
In beginning he was angry what happened 11 years ago and doesn't want to give her any chance to explain. But now it doesn't mattered to him. He knows she changed a lot and now she is not selfish girl. So he want her friendship back. He feels "Bygones are bygones". He is giving her a second chance as a friend.
Everyone knows Shravan loves Suman, so why he said her as "My only friend". Is it for self-satisfaction?
There are things which may make viewers to feel that Shravan loves Suman. He still loves her. But he is not cognized of those feelings. For Shravan, she is huge part of his childhood. Everything in his childhood is related with Suman. Though in his childhood he loved her and wanted to express those feelings, but at this point of time he cherishes her friendship. He is happy when he is her friend. So now he want to her as friend. I don't want to speculate it but Love would happen when it should happen. His strength is family and Suman. He has his family and now Suman is also back as friend in his life. So for now no Love agenda for him.
How is working with Nikita Dutta?
She is very confident in what she does. Working with her is learning experience because she did good shows. She is aware of all technical aspects which I'm still learning.
Television calling you both as Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan, how does it feels?
Once I said about height distance between me and Nikita is like Jaya-Amitabh and Abhishek-Rani. But people misunderstood that we both are like Amitabh and Jaya. Acting wise there is much to learn, we can't compare ourselves with those legends but height wise yes, you can.
Every time the story plot ends at Shravan saying "I'm going back to London", so fans want to know whether he will be staying or leaving.
Shravan's point is right. He has his whole business over there. His business is sitting and waiting for him from 2 months. So as far as I know Shravan is going to stay in India.
What more in stored for the fans.
It is such a simple story without any melodrama. Expect good things and it will happen that is believe. Khosla track came to an end. May be new issues will come up. New relations will be coming up. So keep watching. Thank you so much for the support.
Interview by: Abhyudaya KARAMCHETU
http://entertainment-tadka.com/exclusive-everybody-doesnt-know-who-im-namik-paul/
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