'I wish TV goes beyond saas-bahu sagas'

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memsaab

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Posted: 18 years ago

close it if already posted..

Dunnot if already posted... but I found this while surfing news this morning only.. Looks old interview though!!...

'I wish TV goes beyond saas-bahu sagas'

Pulkit Samrat is television's new chocolate hero. His smile has created a sensation among the younger -- especially female -- crowds in the last nine months. Pulkit is thrilled with the way his career is shaping and has his eyes set on a career in Bollywood. The 23-year-old sensation of Balaji Telefilms' long-running Kyunki Saas Bi Kabhi Bahu Thi, is thankful to the people who have helped him in his career so far. He says "Manish Goswami discovered me, Ekta Kapoor (who heads Balaji) made me and Elite Model Management supported me." The actor, who works 18-hour days, has no free time and chats with Rajul Hegde in between shots, while shooting for a Holi sequence for Kyunki in Madh Island, on the outskirs of Mumbai.

You won the Best Fresh New Face (Male) in the 2006 Telly Awards. How does it feel? As a child, I used to watch award functions, and would dream of going up to the stage and getting an award. So this is a dream come true. This is the best gift I could have given my parents on their wedding anniversary. Awards are secondary, the acceptance and the support I have received is great. How has your life changed after Kyunki and the award? Nothing much has changed. I am still the same, simple guy with no attitude. I will remain the same and try and relate to the audiences. Since I have become a known face, I want to be part of social causes. But I have become more confident then before. Your character Lakshya is doing well with the female audiences. How does it feel?

I won't lie; it feels great. When I walk or people see me somewhere they stop and recognise me; heads turn when I pass. God has blessed me.

How did you get into television? I was always interested in acting. I was into theatre in school and college with theatre personality Barry John, who has also trained Shah Rukh Khan. Then I joined the Elite modelling agency -- they have different courses including grooming, modeling and theatre workshop. I was selected for modeling. I did two commercials (Asian Paints and Ad Gel). How did you get your first break with Balaji? I did not do my first serial with Balaji. I came to Mumbai from Delhi to shoot for commercials. I did a course in Kishore Namit Kapoor acting school. I got my first break for Manish Goswami's serial Sixer for Star One. I shot for four or five episodes. But there was some problem and the serial did not take off.

I had got an offer for Ek Radha Aur Ek Sham but I couldn't accept that because I had a contract with Sixer. After my contract got over, I auditioned for Kyunki and was selected. The next day, I was shooting for Kyunki.

How do you feel working with your senior co-stars in KSBKBT?

I am working with the best actors on TV. The huge cast made me very nervous initially. But I worked hard and learnt a lot of things. I will keep learning from my seniors as well as my co-actors. I have also learnt a lot from the newcomers. Do you feel comfortable doing romantic scenes with KT (Mouni Roy as Krishna Tulsi)? I am most comfortable doing romantic scenes with KT. But we are not great friends off screen. Do you identify with your character Lakshya? I have worked hard to portray Lakshya's character -- his mannerisms, the psychology of a character, how his childhood would have been...

Laskhya is observant, smart, critical and subtle. Pulkit is short tempered, and just the opposite.

Where do you see Indian television going at this time? What is its future? At this stage, I don't want comment on Indian television; it has given me a lot. I wish it grows and goes beyond the saas-bahu sagas. We should have more reality shows and something which entertains and educates people. How many hours a day do you work? How hectic is the life of a TV actor? I work 18 hours a day. I don't get exhausted. I learn more when I'm shooting. If I sit and wait for six to seven hours idle for my shot, I feel like a hunter waiting for an opportunity to shoot a tiger! How do you unwind after a hard day's work? I go for a long drive. It is the best stress buster. Earlier, you were a magician and into street magic and illusions. Is that a hobby? Yes. I want to do something big with street magic and illusion but that will take time. If I had not become an actor, I would have been a magician. My other hobbies are dancing and horse riding. What was your first job? The Asian Paints ad. I think I got my first cheque for Rs 25,000 for it. Where do you see five years from now? In Bollywood. Have you got any film offers?

Yes, but I did not like them.