Parth Samthaan got candid with BollywoodLife on the entire controversy with Vikas Gupta, his sexual orientation and why he does not like to dwell on negativity
The past few days haven't been easy on Parth Samthaan. The teen icon, who is adored by a legion of fans for his portrayal of Manik Malhotra in the hit series Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan got embroiled in an ugly whatsapp scandal, which left him shaken. People who did not know who he was, quickly googled up on him, seeing the unprecedented fan support he got on social media. It was followed by speculations surrounding his fall-out with former good friend and producer, Vikas Gupta. From aspersions being cast on his sexual orientation to being termed as a publicity-hungry' wannabe, he's gone through a lot. In this EXCLUSIVE interview, Parth gets the record straight on a number of things. Read on...
The past few days must have been excruciating. How did you hold your nerves?
To be honest, it was not easy. I was in shock and never expected things to happen the way they did. I was a bit hurt as well but then, controversies are a part of your life, more so if you are a public figure. All you can do is be positive, focus on your work and hope for things to get better. Controversies are not permanent, nothing is. Such issues are part and parcel of life.
What exactly went wrong between Vikas Gupta and you?
Everyone seems to be very worried about it (laughs). The real issue was the non-payment of dues of Rs 5, 50,000. I had done the show Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya and was not paid for it. I was not happy about it and in such situations, it is safer to go through the legal route. My intention never was, or is to go to the media about it. People can have more positivity than that.
Do we see an out of court settlement happening between Vikas and you?
It can be possible. We are talking about that option. Nobody is comfortable with the idea of dragging it to the courts. He is a part of the industry and so am I. We are here to work and have worked hard to reach where we are. I am focusing on my film and won't like this negativity to continue for months on end. And the idea of spoiling someone's image just to create negativity is just not me. Once we settle down, we can surely have a conversation.
Will you do it on your own or through your legal counsels?
Both of us (Vikas and Parth) have not spoken since a while. The legal notice was sent a long time ago. In between, the lawyers haven't interacted much with each other. I don't believe in being abusive, cruel or call up people to settle scores. I have no intention to punish anyone. Everyone wants to work and after all, we are in the same field. I don't believe in taking to social media to express my dissatisfaction or to accuse someone. Duniya mein bahut saare pange hain already, and there is no need to fuel more hatred.
Some members of your fraternity lambasted you on the social media. Did you feel let down?
All I know is that, in this field you have to walk for yourself. However, I don't believe in the blame game nor in the concept of constant justifications/clarifications. That is a never-ending cycle. I have bigger plans in life, and stressing too much on all this will put me in the negative zone. This is a New Year, and this hullabaloo too shall end. I want to focus on my acting and I am working towards something really big in my life. Lastly, I can give it in writing that Iss industry mein koi doodh ka dhula hua nahi hai'. People should do what they are here for.
A lot of aspersions have been cast on your sexuality. How did your family react?
My family also reads the papers, so they are aware of what's happening. I have clarified everything to them and given them the confidence that I know what I am. I was in a relationship with a girl with almost a year and a half. The situation right now is such that if talk about girls, I might just get branded as a womaniser (laughs out loud).
If you had to set the record straight on your sexual orientation, what would you say?
I am very much straight. Aap mere ko kisi ladki ko kiss karne ko bolo, main full passion ke saath karunga (laughs uproariously). However, I respect people of different sexual orientations. An individual's sexual preference should be respected. I am straight and hoping to find a girlfriend soon (laughs).
You have been quite calm throughout this episode...Comment...
Yaar, you need to understand what you have created and where you have reached. It is a huge thing for me that people like me and my work. Some are saying that I am putting up this calm attitude' just for publicity. My film is releasing eight months from now. I am a sensible and practical person. I want to safeguard whatever I have worked for. My aim is to entertain my fans who have loved and supported me so far.
You have a reputation of avoiding the media. Did you feel it was a drawback during this whole episode?
I am a bit of introvert but when it came to my show I always gave the interviews as requested. Yes, I don't react to stories and gossip because that's how I am. You cannot be at loggerheads all the time, you have to settle down and think ahead.
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