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Bhalla(e) Bhalla(e), Bollywood to L A
Acting, singing, Vikas Bhalla has done it all. We catch him in a chatty mood, as he talks to us about his movies, albums and his intended foray into foreign films.
Acting, singing, Vikas Bhalla has done it all. We catch him in a chatty mood, as he talks to us about his movies, albums and his intended foray into foreign films.
Vikas, first of all, I would like to say that you are definitely a man of all seasons. Tell us about your love for singing…
(Grins modestly) Since the age of six, I was inclined towards music. Pandit Jiyalal Vasant, who is also Suresh Wadkar's Guruji, has professionally trained me in Hindustani Classical.
So, when did you first think about making it a career?
About ten years ago… It was a time when lots of new comers were trying their luck at playback singing. For example, Sonu Nigam was a struggling singer, and there I was, also trying my luck at it.
How did acting happen? Or was it planned like a career shift?
(Grins) No, it was never planned. While I was waiting for my chance to sing at various recording studios, producers would often offer me roles in their movies. But I never actually thought I would become an actor until some big banners came my way.
Which was the first film, which saw Vikas Bhalla as an actor and not as a singer?
It was Sudhakar Bokade's Sauda (1995), with Neelam that saw my foray into mainstream cinema.
You did work with some amazing professionals even though the movies weren't a big success...
Yes, I did. In the initial stages of my career itself I worked with highly talented actors like Manisha Koirala, Kajol, Neelam etc. That bit was lucky, but the movies didn't do very well, commercially.
Your greatest success till date in the industry would be your first album Awaara that had record-breaking sales. Tell us about that.
At that time, Lucky Ali was a comparatively new singer, who brought in a new genre of music into the industry with Sunoh. The same record company (BMG Crescendo) that helped Lucky Ali release his album, recorded my first album Awaara. BMG at that time was the only record house, which was giving breaks to new comers. I am really grateful to them.
But after Awaara's huge success how did television happen all of a sudden?
My first television project was Apne Paraye with Rajesh Khanna sahab. But I did not see much of a future for myself in television. However, working with a great actor like Mr Khanna was a privilege. After that, I somehow lost interest in pursuing a career in television and decided to study further.
You mean study acting/ singing, or something academical?
No, I gave my GMAT and secured a good 75 percentile (Smiles), not many people know of this. I was also invited by the New York University, and was actually planning on going to Toronto University in Canada. Everything was finalized and then I got the role opposite Karishma Kapoor in the serial Karishma.
Now, that must have been a difficult choice.
No, it was actually simple. The acting bug had bitten me deep, and when such a huge offer came my way, I readily agreed to do it.
Currently, what is happening on the film front?
I had one release this month with Pyar Mein Twist in which I play Rishi Kapoor's son and I have just completed an international project called Marigold.
We've heard a lot about your performance in Pyar Mein Twist. Tell us more about Marigold…
I play the role of a flamboyant, over-the-top movie star in the film. It's basically a film in a film. A very good, challenging role though.
Isn't Salman Khan a part of the project? What is his role?
He plays the choreographer in the movie. It was great working with him.
So, you have been busy with domestic as well as international work? So, is your riyaaz still on?
Of course, it is. But my busy schedule sometimes keeps me from practicing regularly. So, if you see a guy singing inside a car with his earphones on, practicing, that would be me.
Tell us about your married life. You have married Prem Chopra sahab's daughter…
Punita is a housewife and we had 10 years of love between us before we got married. It's been seven years now and we have been blessed with a baby girl. Her name is Sakshi and she is six years old.
Can we expect some new albums from you? There is a huge fan following waiting just for that…
Yes, 10 songs are ready. The lyrics are by Shahid Iqbal and the music is by Sanjeev Srivastava. But it is too soon to say when it will be out.
And what's next on the acting front?
After Marigold, I am seriously looking forward to working abroad. I have hired an agent who will be helping me in that course.
So five years from now, Vikas Bhalla would be…
In Hollywood (Laughs).
A tip to all your fans, on World Heart Day?
Keep moving in life. Lead a healthy, happy and safe life and you will prosper.
(Grins modestly) Since the age of six, I was inclined towards music. Pandit Jiyalal Vasant, who is also Suresh Wadkar's Guruji, has professionally trained me in Hindustani Classical.
So, when did you first think about making it a career?
About ten years ago… It was a time when lots of new comers were trying their luck at playback singing. For example, Sonu Nigam was a struggling singer, and there I was, also trying my luck at it.
How did acting happen? Or was it planned like a career shift?
(Grins) No, it was never planned. While I was waiting for my chance to sing at various recording studios, producers would often offer me roles in their movies. But I never actually thought I would become an actor until some big banners came my way.
Which was the first film, which saw Vikas Bhalla as an actor and not as a singer?
It was Sudhakar Bokade's Sauda (1995), with Neelam that saw my foray into mainstream cinema.
You did work with some amazing professionals even though the movies weren't a big success...
Yes, I did. In the initial stages of my career itself I worked with highly talented actors like Manisha Koirala, Kajol, Neelam etc. That bit was lucky, but the movies didn't do very well, commercially.
Your greatest success till date in the industry would be your first album Awaara that had record-breaking sales. Tell us about that.
At that time, Lucky Ali was a comparatively new singer, who brought in a new genre of music into the industry with Sunoh. The same record company (BMG Crescendo) that helped Lucky Ali release his album, recorded my first album Awaara. BMG at that time was the only record house, which was giving breaks to new comers. I am really grateful to them.
But after Awaara's huge success how did television happen all of a sudden?
My first television project was Apne Paraye with Rajesh Khanna sahab. But I did not see much of a future for myself in television. However, working with a great actor like Mr Khanna was a privilege. After that, I somehow lost interest in pursuing a career in television and decided to study further.
You mean study acting/ singing, or something academical?
No, I gave my GMAT and secured a good 75 percentile (Smiles), not many people know of this. I was also invited by the New York University, and was actually planning on going to Toronto University in Canada. Everything was finalized and then I got the role opposite Karishma Kapoor in the serial Karishma.
Now, that must have been a difficult choice.
No, it was actually simple. The acting bug had bitten me deep, and when such a huge offer came my way, I readily agreed to do it.
Currently, what is happening on the film front?
I had one release this month with Pyar Mein Twist in which I play Rishi Kapoor's son and I have just completed an international project called Marigold.
We've heard a lot about your performance in Pyar Mein Twist. Tell us more about Marigold…
I play the role of a flamboyant, over-the-top movie star in the film. It's basically a film in a film. A very good, challenging role though.
Isn't Salman Khan a part of the project? What is his role?
He plays the choreographer in the movie. It was great working with him.
So, you have been busy with domestic as well as international work? So, is your riyaaz still on?
Of course, it is. But my busy schedule sometimes keeps me from practicing regularly. So, if you see a guy singing inside a car with his earphones on, practicing, that would be me.
Tell us about your married life. You have married Prem Chopra sahab's daughter…
Punita is a housewife and we had 10 years of love between us before we got married. It's been seven years now and we have been blessed with a baby girl. Her name is Sakshi and she is six years old.
Can we expect some new albums from you? There is a huge fan following waiting just for that…
Yes, 10 songs are ready. The lyrics are by Shahid Iqbal and the music is by Sanjeev Srivastava. But it is too soon to say when it will be out.
And what's next on the acting front?
After Marigold, I am seriously looking forward to working abroad. I have hired an agent who will be helping me in that course.
So five years from now, Vikas Bhalla would be…
In Hollywood (Laughs).
A tip to all your fans, on World Heart Day?
Keep moving in life. Lead a healthy, happy and safe life and you will prosper.
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