Ankur Nayyar - I’m not finicky....

What attracted you to your character in 'Kohinoor'?
It's something really different. I get an opportunity to portray different shades. I can stretch myself as an actor. Samar Khanna, the character, is very calm and composed and knows what he wants. He knows his capabilities and always has an ace up his sleeve. He doesn't shout unnecessarily and doesn't get angry easily. He maintains his calm even in complicated situations. He's always been a winner.

How much do you relate to him?
I do to quite an extent. I'm not really into losing my temper and I like to sort things out in a peaceful manner. I like his action style. I've always been into marital arts and getting an opportunity to display that. His attitude and behaviour is an extension of Ankur Nayyar.

Is there something about him that you don't like?
Not really. At least, not now. Initially, I didn't like a few things especially his rude nature. But that has been changed now.

Is there something about him that you have imbibed?
I always try to get the best things out of anybody I come across in life, not just Samar. I'm trying to imbibe his attitude when he's dealing with problems and how he has the knack of turning a losing proposition into a winning situation for himself.

Any other serial that you are planning to take up?
I'm concentrating on this one at the moment. It's a daily so there isn't much time for anything else now.

Which are the serials you've worked on prior to this one?
I entered 'Kanyadaan' in the last few episodes. I've done 'Kasautii Zindagi Ki', 'Kashmir', 'Jeet', 'Reth', 'Des Mein Nikhla Hoga Chand' and 'Yehi To Hain Woh'. I've been really lucky to have worked with Balaji in the beginning. It makes you a household name. People liked me a lot in 'Kanyadaan'. I was even noticed as I was paired opposite Poonam Narula who was playing the main lead. But people loved me as the negative character, Subroto, in 'Kasautii Zindagi Ki'.

Were you worried about doing a negative role then?
It was more of a grey-shaded guy. But I'm okay with anything as long as I'm performing.

Any dream role?
It depends on my mood. At times it's Tom Cruise in 'Born On The 4th of July', Salim's role in 'Mughal-E-Azam', Shah Rukh Khan's role in 'DDLJ' and 'Devdas', Aamir Khan's role in 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander'. I would also like to play a psychopath.

What's the criterion while choosing a character or role?
It's the entire package. The story and my character are very important. It also depends on how important I am to the story. I'm not finicky about production houses.

Balaji actors don't normally work with other producers!
I decided to move out. I'm not going to deny the fact that working in Balaji is a very secure feel. But I've been lucky enough to have the support of my family and I've never taken decisions in life on the basis of security. If I've liked a character, I've gone ahead and done it. But I'd still do a Balaji serial. It's not like I've walked out on them.

Your reason for coming to Mumbai was films. How did you get into television?
I've realised that being an outsider and not a supermodel at that does not give you an easy break in films. So instead of hanging on waiting for the right offer and pursuing a film career, I decided to go ahead and do television. I've done a small role in 'Yakeen' but I'm still looking forward to a good role in a Hindi film. But I'm only interested in main leads. Otherwise I'm content doing main leads on television.

Do you have hang-ups about approaching people for work?
Not really but I can't go around asking for something. You could call it a bloated ego but I'd love to do a film.

How would you like to see yourself five years from now?
Five years back I came to Mumbai and I'm still here. I hope I'm still there five years later (laughs). I'd love to have won some important awards, maybe Filmfare. But I hope it's not the debutant award (laughs).