| He played the office Adonis in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin. Confident, arrogance personified, with a attitude to die for. And now Armaan Sir aka Apurva Agnihotri is back as Dev in Sony's Kaajjal Sabbki Aankhon Mein Basi. Interestingly, this time too, the character Dev has been sketched somewhat on similar lines. Apurva, who's just back after a 10 day shoot from Mussoorie, he reveals on a rather giggly note, "I play a beast in Kaajjal. And I took up the role cause I love grey characters which are quite challenging to play on-screen."
Well, but in real life the suave and sophisticated actor appears rather unpretentious and very down to earth. Though slightly difficult to get him talking, the not- so- media savvy actor opens up, often smiling innocently, grinning cheek to cheek and sometimes breaking into a giggle. So, here goes Apurva on his new show, wife, life and future plans. Your Armaan Sir act in Jassi won you the best actor trophy at The Indian Telly Awards 2005, but then haven't seen much of you lately?
I had slogged a lot for three long years to essay the role of Armaan Suri. I wanted to take a break. And as far as the award goes, I think I was plain lucky to win it. Because on a personal level, I admire actors like say Pankaj Kapoor in Office Office. I think I still have a long way to go and learn. But I am sure there would have been offers from Star or Zee. How come your next show is also for Sony?
There were some good offers from other channel but I didn't take them up. Though, I don't think its ethical to mention them. But definitely, I've been lucky for Sony and vice versa, so I decided to go ahead with this show. Also, I don't really have the brains to be choosy, actually I act on my instincts. What exactly exited you about the character Dev?
Dev is a beast and has shades of evil. He is arrogant, egoistic, prone to anger and thinks money can buy him everything. But there's a logic to his anger and ego. Certain incidents in his life have made him a loner and he has stopped believing in people. I quite like the character and in many ways it resembles Armaan Sir of Jassi. Now, lets hope even Dev works for Sony. Also, the production house is presenting the soap in a unique way. How are you in real life?
I am an introvert and extremely shy of people. I need to know people really well to open up. Also, I am very scared of being on stage and facing people. I would rather hide it all on the small screen. So, inspite of being an introvert you've managed to woo one of the most ravishing woman in tellydom (read Shilpa Saklani)?
(Giggles) Actually i didn't really woo Shilpa, but it was a common friend who played the matchmaker for both of us. Tell us about your struggling days?
I didn't have to struggle in the TV industry really, but I have had to go through a different sort of struggle. I wanted to be a pilot in life. I spent a lot of money, time and effort to do so and later there were no jobs available for me in the market. After which I lost my father. In terms of money, it was a huge investment..
Apurva- I love grey characters | So, from pilot to acting.. How did that happen?
Acting happened accidently though it was always a second option. What plans for the future?
Strictly speaking I want to be behind the camera, as a director and writer. Not too many people know that my father Gyandev Agnihotri was a writer. He was associated with some good films like Beta and Mr Natwarlal.
From actor to writer. Won't you miss all the limelight?
I believe in life whatever goes up in life must come down. All this adulation as an actor will not last for too long. I want to go ahead and prove that even not so good actors like me can be good directors.
Are you signing up more films. Haven't seen much of you after the Pardes days?
I did a couple of disaster films which were not worth writing home about. Also, I believe in riding on one horse at one time. Maybe after a period of three or four years, I will be looking at getting into films.
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