Vivaan on Kumkum

Q What's your role in Chhoona Hai Aasman?

I am playing Flight lieutenant Samrat Singh Shekhawat. He is an expert in war explosives. On the personal front, he comes from a rich family and is a charmer. He has the gift of the gab and loads of attitude. Samrat's love interest is weapon systems officer Sameera.

Q But doesn't Sameera have a soft corner for Abhimanyu, played by Iqbal Khan?

May be. There will be a love triangle between Samrat, Sameera and Abhi. It's a daily soap and the story can go any which way.

Q Samrat comes from a rich background. What's his intention behind joining the Air Force?

He is an adventurous guy and a thrill junky. He joins the Air Force for the prestige factor. He is fun loving, easy going and lives life as if there is no tomorrow. He is not only the life of a party but women get drawn towards him very easily.

Q Apparently the reference point for the character is Veeru of Sholay?

I have no clue. Perhaps it is inspired by that character. But Samrat is a very interesting character. There are no monotonous dialogues for him. Music is his life and he is always listening to or humming some song, even while defusing a bomb.

Q Did you have to work a lot on the character?

Yes. We went through extensive physical training to get the feel, look and posture right. We had to learn and imbibe how the Air Force guys walk, talk and behave. This is a different show and we had to go through intensive training and workshops to make it look authentic. I was really happy when I was called to do the show. Visiting the airbase in Jodhpur and meeting senior Air Force officers was an exciting experience. This show will set new standards in television programming. We all have great hopes and expectation from the show. We have kept our fingers crossed.

Q How's your role in Maayka going?

It's going great guns. It started on a positive note but now the character has turned grey. Currently the marital conflict between Shabd and Mahi is being played out. There are lots of ups and downs in Shabd's life and I am having a great time playing the role because it is my first major lead and the show is also quite popular. In fact, after Kumkum this show has given me lot of name and fame.

Q Why did you quit Kumkum?

I did the show for one-and-half years and wanted to continue with it. But I had asked for a hike in my remuneration. I wasn't getting my market price and after Maayka's success my price has gone up. I wanted to renew my contract with a new pay scale but the production house didn't agree to my terms and conditions. So I quit the show.

Q Recently you proposed to your girlfriend in an unusual way in Bangkok. Was it to surprise her?

I gave her and her family a surprise holiday. I wanted to make it special because such things happen once in a lifetime and I wanted to make it a special occasion. Nikhila is a nice girl and she has stood by me for the last few years. I wanted to surprise her because such occasions are remembered for the rest of one's life.

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